Claudius Broussard, who owned Broussard’s Race Track near Lafayette, La., died June 6 at his Lafayette home. He was 89.
Broussard’s Race Track was one of Louisiana’s colorful “bush” tracks that hosted races for Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses in the southern part of the Pelican State. Unsanctioned and unlicensed, Broussard’s track opened in 1950 and stayed in business for some 35 years.
Among the jockeys who learned the art of race riding at Broussard’s was Calvin Borel, who won this year’s Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) and Preakness Stakes (gr. I).
A lifelong Lafayette resident, Broussard also operated a store, bar, and rooster pit and worked for the Louisiana State Highway Patrol. He served in the Army during World War II.
Broussard’s survivors include his wife of 44 years, Melba, five children, and four stepchildren.