LeBlanc makes big impression

BOSSIER CITY, La. - Jockey Kirk LeBlanc and agent Rick Mocklin decided to join forces two weeks ago, and even though positive results were almost immediate, the move was made more with the future in mind.

"We both were planning on going to New Orleans this winter so we decided we would hook up." Mocklin said, referring to the Fair Grounds meeting. "So far it has worked out well, and we are looking forward to building some momentum for Fair Grounds. Kirk rides for a lot different outfits and has developed some great relationships through the years."

It could be a very successful winter indeed if last week's success is any indication. After winning the Louisiana Downs $36,000 allowance feature on Saturday aboard heavy favorite Tortuga Flats, LeBlanc traveled to Evangeline Downs and rode Evangeline's horse of the meeting Madison's Music to a front-running score in the $100,000 Matron Handicap.

LeBlanc capped his weekend by winning three of the last five races on Monday's holiday program back at Louisiana Downs. As of Wednesday he ranked tied for fifth in the rider standings here with 44 victories.

Substitute track announcer

Louisiana Downs will have a different voice this week as Evangeline announcer John McGary will sub for Travis Stone.

Stone is going home to New York to be the best man in his cousin's wedding. "We grew up together and it is something I feel like I need to do," he said. "With Evangeline ending their meeting last week, things worked out well with John coming up."

No Sunday racing

For the first time in years, there will be no Sunday racing for the rest of the meeting, which concludes on Oct. 19.

Citing competition from the NFL and the many New Orleans Saints and Dallas Cowboy fans in the area, track management decided to move to a Wednesday-through-Saturday schedule.

Jacinto gets 1000th win

John Jacinto rode career winner No.o1,000 in Monday's first race, aboard Superior Storm ($7.40) for trainer Richard Jackson. Jacinto won the Louisiana Downs riding title in 2005 and has been in a battle for the top spot this meet with Carlos Gonzalez, trailing Gonzalez 88-85 heading into this week.

* The 28th annual Super Derby golf tournament is scheduled for Sept. 19 at Northwood Country Club. The four-man scramble format will offer both a morning and afternoon flight. Interested parties should contact clerk of scales Terry Magee. Proceeds will benefit the Winner's Circle Church.