Delta Downs

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Delta Downs is a thoroughbred and quarter horse racetrack in Vinton, Louisiana, USA.

[edit] History

The track initially opened in the 1970's. It conducted low-level quarter horse and thoroughbred race meetings. In the 1990's it was bought by developer Shawn Scott for $10 million. Shortly thereafter it was sold for over $100 million to Boyd Gaming. This was after Mr. Scott managed to get a law passed allowing for slot machines at Delta Downs. After the purchase, Boyd Gaming made over $120 million capital improvements. The casino hotel and the track itself were badly damaged in Hurricane Rita. The Casino and Hotel were partially opened two months there after. The track was closed for about 6 months after the hurricane.

[edit] Physical attributes

The track is a 6 furlong oval. There is a 550 yard quarter horse chute in addition to a 5 furlong and 1 1/16 mile thoroughbred chute. The track surface is a mixture of sand (from the Sabine river) and clay with a limestone base. The track has stabling for 1200 horses. The casino has over 1,400 slots. The casino has only slots due to restrictions in state law. The luxurious hotel has 203 rooms, with 36 of them being spacious suites.

[edit] Racing

The track races from November to April in a normal year with the thoroughbred meet commencing in December. The track conducts the Grade III $1,000,000 Delta Downs Jackpot for 2 year olds. The other major stakes is the $250,000 Delta Princess for 2 year old fillies.