Louisiana Racing Commission to hear presentations on horse slaughter

The Louisiana Racing Commission will hear presentations as part of a “discussion of horse slaughter,” during its July 16 meeting, according to a meeting agenda. Maggi Moss will give a presentation as a representative of the new National Thoroughbred Welfare Organization, founded by owner Rick Porter. Patrick Richmond will give a presentation as a representative of the Louisiana Horse Rescue Association.

Also on the agenda, Fair Grounds is requesting later first posts on Nov. 30, Dec. 28, Jan. 26, Feb. 1, and March 15, with all proposed to be amended from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Central, with the exception of Jan. 26, which would be 3 p.m.

◗ Arizona Downs, the former Yavapai Downs, opens for simulcasting on Friday, according to an announcement. Live racing is scheduled to return to the track in 2019 in the form of a mixed meet for Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Yavapai Downs last operated in 2010.

◗ Trent McIntosh and David Heitzmann have been promoted by Caesars Entertainment. McIntosh has been named general manager of Hoosier Park after working as an assistant general manager of Louisiana Downs. Heitzmann has been named director of racing for Louisiana Downs. He is the current racing secretary and will remain in that role as well.