Leestown Light takes Sarah Lane's Oates Stakes

BOSSIER CITY, La. - Leestown Light made her first start on the turf a winning Sunday afternoon as she held off 40-1 longshot Royal Madame to win the Sarah Lane's Oates Stakes on day two of the Fair Grounds at Louisiana Downs meeting. Supreme Trick finished third followed by favorite McKella.

Ridden by Tracey Hebert, Leestown Light ($13.20) moved to challenge on the outside in the second turn of the grassy one-mile test for Louisiana-bred 2-year-old fillies. The daughter of Leestown held a short advantage inside the furlong grounds and had enough left in the final strides to withstand the late charge of the runner up. The winner is trained by Larry Robideaux for David Beard and has now won two of her five starts. Sunday's payday of $30,000 increased her career earnings to $57,600.

"We bought (Leestown Light) relatively cheap and she hasn't grown much, but her heart is just as big as she is." Said Robideaux following the race. "I told (owner David Beard) she wanted to go long on the grass, and she proved the point to us today."