About

Photo Credit: Louisiana Digital Library

Photo Credit: Louisiana Digital Library

Track History

Louisiana Downs, located on 280 acres near Shreveport in Bossier City, Louisiana opened on October 30, 1974 with approximately 15,000 fans in attendance for the first day of its inaugural meet. Built by the late shopping-center magnate, Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr., the track was a success from the start, setting numerous national records for handle and attendance throughout the 1970’s and ’80’s. In 1980, plans were announced for the first running of the Super Derby, a 1-1/4 mile race to be run in the fall with the hope of attracting the best three-year-olds in the country and to have an impact on the end-of-the year championships. With a $500,000 purse, the race was the richest ever for three-year-old Thoroughbreds.

Derby Winners

On October 18, 1980, Belmont Stakes winner Temperence Hill won the inaugural Super Derby and became only the third Thoroughbred in history to earn more than $1 million. In its 24 runnings, the Super Derby has attracted four Kentucky Derby winners, four Preakness Stakes winners, five Belmont Stakes winners and seven Travers Stakes winners. Six previous Super Derby entrants have won the prestigious Breeders’ Cup Classic and three Super Derby winners, Tiznow, Sunday Silence and Alysheba have been voted the Eclipse Award as Horse of the Year, the industry’s highest award.

The race has rightfully taken its place nationally as one of the most anticipated of the year.

With thoroughbred racing every May through September and Quarter Horse racing from January through March, there is no shortage of live horse racing action. Throughout the year you can test your handicapping skills as you watch and wager on live horse racing from racetracks around the world in our simulcast facilities.

Harrah’s Entertainment (later Caesars Entertainment) purchased the track in 2002. In September 2020, it was announced Harrah’s Louisiana Downs was being sold to Rubico Acquisition Corp. In November of 2021, the sale to Rubico Acquisition Corp was completed and the property transitioned to Louisiana Downs Casino & Racetrack dropping the Harrah’s moniker.