Evangeline Downs stakes schedule worth $1.7 million

OPELOUSAS, La. – A total of 23 events worth $1.7 million will make up the 2013 Evangeline Downs stakes schedule. The 84-day meeting begins April 17 and will run through Sept. 7. This will be the first racing season for Evangeline under the ownership of Boyd Gaming, which purchased the track and casino late last year. Boyd also owns Delta Downs, which is located approximately 100 miles to the west in Vinton, La.

As usual, Louisiana Legends Night will be one of the highlights of the meet. The Legends card will feature a total of eight races restricted to Louisiana-breds worth a total of $775,000. Legends Night is slated for July 6.

Also in July are the two divisions of the rich D.S. “Shine” Young Futurity. Trails for the futurity will be run July 3 and 4, with the finals, estimated to be worth $120,000 each, set for July 27.

The meeting’s richest event will once again be the $125,000 Evangeline Mile. The Mile is for 3-year-olds and up and will be contested Aug. 10.