Evangeline adding 70 stalls, upgrading turf course
Evangeline Downs in Opelousas, La., has started construction on a 70-stall receiving barn that is scheduled to be operational in advance of the meet that opens April 12. The track also is making upgrades to its turf course as part of improvement projects for the 84-date meet that runs through Sept. 2.
Evangeline’s new barn will increase stall space at the track to 1,000 horses, said Chris Warren, director of racing for Evangeline.
“The framework is going up,” Warren said of the new barn. “The plan is to be done by the end of March.”
Warren said work on the turf course includes aerating the surface.
“We’re working with a new consultant to revitalize the turf course,” Warren said.
The main track is also being upgraded, with fine sand being added to the surface, said Warren.
Warren said Legends Night on July 8 will again highlight the stakes schedule, which has not yet been released. The program features divisional stakes restricted to horses bred in Louisiana. Stall applications for the meet are due Feb. 24.