Evangeline Downs raises purses

Evangeline Downs has announced a 10 percent increase in overnight purses that will go into effect Saturday.

The purse hike brings the nightly average to more than $170,000. That figure does not include supplementary payments to accredited Louisiana-breds racing in open company, which are funded by slot-machine revenue. Maiden special weight races will now be worth $24,200, with Louisiana-breds racing for $34,700.

Evangeline Downs is averaging more than 10.5 starters per race, the highest average in the country.