Report: $2 million is missing from Louisiana Downs purse fund

Two apparently unrelated events have Louisiana Downs making headlines in Bossier City, La. this week.

As reported in the Shreveport Bossier Journal by Tony Taglavore, earlier this week two managers resigned. Additionally, the Louisiana Downs horsemen's purse fund is short $2 million.

“The HBPA (Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association) has reported a purse issue to the Louisiana State Racing Commission (LSRC) and the Attorney General’s office,” Ed Fenasci, executive director of the Louisiana HBPA told Taglavore.

Caesars Entertainment sold the race track to Rubico Gaming on Nov. 1, 2021. The transition of purse money from Caesars to Rubico is in question regarding the purse shortage.

In April, Louisiana Downs announced two new hires: Kato Moy as the casino manager and Mitch Dennison as the general manager of racing. Three months after starting their roles, both have resigned in apparently unrelated moves.

To join Louisiana Downs, Dennison left a successful career as an assistant to Steve Asmussen, North America’s winningest thoroughbred trainer.

Moy left a role as senior vice president and general manager at Agua Caliente Casino in Palm Springs to join Louisiana Downs.

The new Louisiana Downs owners announced the return of the Super Derby. Not run since 2019, the popular race attracted big-name trainers and high-caliber 3-year-old horses. Set for Sept. 10, no additional information has been revealed. Louisiana Downs’ current Thoroughbred meet ends Sept. 27.

Not run since 2019, the popular race attracted big-name trainers and high-caliber horses. Set for Sept. 10, no additional information has been revealed. Louisiana Downs’ current Thoroughbred meet ends Sept. 27.