Evangeline stakes schedule similar to last year

The 2010 stakes schedule at Evangeline Downs in Opelousas, La., has only a few minor changes from last year's docket. There will once again be 24 stakes, including five stakes scheduled for the turf. The schedule will be worth $1.75 million, a decrease of $100,000 from 2009.

The meeting's highlight will once again be an all Louisiana-bred evening of action on July 3. Formerly called Louisiana Legends Night, the event has been renamed Louisiana Showcase and will feature 10 stakes worth a collective $900,000, including the two divisions of the $100,000 D. S. "Shine" Young Futurity for 2-year-olds.

Other high points of the season include the $50,000 John Henry Stakes for older horses on the turf on April 17 and the $100,000 Evangeline Mile on Aug. 14.

The 2010 season begins on April 7 and runs through Labor Day, Sept. 6. Evangeline will have a new first race post time of 5:40 p.m. Central.