Delta Downs July 29 released its 2011-2012 Thoroughbred stakes schedule, which includes 30 races and over $4 million in total purses.
The highlight of the 88-day season, whiich runs from Oct. 19 through March 17, will come on Saturday, Nov. 19 when the track offers eight stakes worth over $2 million in purses headlined by the $1 million Delta Downs Jackpot (gr. III).
Last year’s Delta Downs Jackpot program produced the highest single-day handle in track history of $3,817,849. The 11-race card also marked the first time the season’s richest race day was conducted during daylight hours, as the track’s regular programs are run at night. That tradition will continue this year as the first post time on the Delta Downs Jackpot Day card is set for 1:15 p.m.
Other highlights of the stakes schedule include a pair of prep races on opening weekend, Saturday, Oct. 22. The $200,000 Jean Lafitte will serve as a stepping stone to the Delta Downs Jackpot and the $150,000 My Trusty Cat for 2-year-old fillies is a prelude to the $500,000 Delta Downs Princess (gr. III), which is the only other graded stakes race of the season. The Delta Downs Princess is also scheduled for Nov. 19.
The richest night-time program of the season will take place on Saturday, Feb. 4 with another edition of Louisiana Premier Night. The LAPN card features 10 stakes races for Louisiana-bred horses and over $1 million in total purse money. The highlight of LAPN is the $200,000 Louisiana Premier Night Championship for older horses.
Delta Downs’ meet will feature live racing each Wednesday through Saturday. Post times each evening will be at 5:45 p.m.