It’s been a while since a hurricane stole a jackpot from Delta Downs in Vinton, La. Rita did it in 2005, and Harvey has done so for the 84-date meet that opens Wednesday night. The storm that made landfall in August crippled the Texas markets that have long patronized Delta’s slots casino, and in September it was announced the Grade 3, $1 million Delta Downs Jackpot was canceled for 2017. The race was slated for Nov. 18, and it was to share a card with the Grade 3, $500,000 Delta Downs Princess. The two routes for 2-year-olds were to be the richest offerings of the meet, with the Jackpot a points race for the Kentucky Derby and the Princess the same for the Kentucky Oaks. The Jackpot and Princess, along with six other open-company stakes set for early in the season, were canceled on the recommendation of the Louisiana Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, said Chris Warren, Delta’s director of racing. The move was made to preserve the overnight purse structure for the entire meet, which runs through March 10. “Going forward, we’re all planning on the races coming back for 2018,” Warren said, “but at this point in our season no final decisions have been made.” Delta’s stakes schedule had been comprised of 32 stakes worth $4.2 million, but with the changes due to the impact of Harvey, there will now be 24 stakes worth $1.9 million. Purses for the meet are projected to average $225,000 per program, Warren said. Warren said Delta will start out running 10 races a day versus 11 in order to be cautious with purse funds. He said that schedule, as well bringing back some of the smaller stakes and/or increasing overnight purses, will be re-evaluated in late October or November as business levels are just starting to return to normal for the casino. Warren said the track will be meeting again with the Louisiana HBPA. The highlight of the stakes schedule will be the Louisiana Premier Night program Feb. 10. The card of 10 stakes for Louisiana-breds will be worth $895,000. The main event will be the $150,000 Louisiana Premier Night Championship. Horses who could see action in the Championship are entered in Saturday night’s $100,000 Gold Cup at Delta. The first stakes of the meet is Friday night, the $100,000 Magnolia, and it also is expected to produce starters for Louisiana Premier Night. Warren said improvements to the facility during the off-season include a new safety rail for the track. There also has been material added to the racing surface, in addition to general renovations on the backstretch. Karl Broberg, who leads all trainers in wins in North America, is back for the new meet and chasing his seventh Delta title. Diego Saenz is going for his fourth Delta title. The track will race Wednesday through Saturday nights most weeks, with a first post of 5:30 p.m. Central. :: Like this article? Get access to all premium articles, real-time coverage, special reports, and charts. Unlock access with DRF Plus.