It was beautiful spring afternoon Saturday for the 112th Running of the Louisiana Derby. Patrons donned their favorite outfits — you would find gentlemen in their finest garbs, of fully lavished, seersucker suits, with top hats. While you find the ladies in their finest dresses and ornate top hats. This was a typical Race Day at “Winter’s Horse Racing Capital”, which has been hosting horse races every weekend since Thanksgiving in preparation for the season’s final day of races on March 22-23.
There were 12 total races scheduled on Saturday with the final race the 112th Louisiana Derby’s Post Time at 5:42p.m. (CT). All day before the Derby there were 12 Races (8 stakes races worth $2.65 million) to get you ready for the Big Race at 5:42. The races were a mixture of dirt and turf tracks at the Fairgrounds, including several that led to qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby.
In addition to the Louisiana Derby, here are just a few of the exciting Horse Races that were also ran on Saturday
Fair Grounds Oaks
The Fair Grounds Oaks is one of the bigger races held on Derby Day, usually early in the day. A Grand II stakes race worth a purse a purse of $400,000. The Fair Grounds Oaks is held for 3 year old phillies and worth 100 qualifying points towards the Kentucky Oaks. The first year of the Oaks was in 1966 in Oklahoma, with the Race being moved to New Orleans in 1976. Open to 3-year-old fillies, the race is run over 1 1/16 miles on dirt. It serves as a key preparatory event for the Kentucky Oaks, one of the biggest races for 3-year-old fillies in the United States.
Saturday’s action showcased a thrilling performance by Good Cheer, a 3-year-old filly trained by Brad H. Cox and ridden by jockey Luis Saez. The race, run over 1 1/16 miles on dirt, saw Good Cheer maintain her undefeated record, securing her sixth consecutive victory. She took the lead in the final stretch and finished strong, solidifying her status as a top contender for the Kentucky Oaks. The Fair Grounds Oaks is a key prep race for the Kentucky Oaks, and Good Cheer’s dominant performance has certainly made her one to watch in the upcoming classic races
(Above: Good Cheer, trained by Brad H. Cox and ridden Luis Saez, won Saturday’s Fair Grounds Oaks and took home 100 qualifying points for the Kentucky Oaks)
Tom Benson Memorial Stakes
(Above: Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson arrives at the Fair Grounds for Race Day)
One of the most anticipated races on Derby Day. This race, named in honor of Tom Benson, late owner of the Saints of Pelicans, continues to be a highlight of the Fair Grounds racing calendar. Celebrating both equine excellence and the legacy of a beloved New Orleans sports figure. The race is typically run on turf over a distance of 1 1/16 miles and is open to fillies and mares aged 4 years and older.
Way to Be Marie, a 4-year-old filly trained by Rob Atras and ridden by jockey Florent Geroux, claimed victory in the 1 1/16-mile race. She crossed the finish line with a margin of 1¼ lengths, showcasing her impressive form and earning the winner’s share of the $150,000 purse. Saints owner Gayle Benson was on hand to present Way to be Marie with the trophy in honor of her late husband.
New Orleans Classic
The New Orleans Classic, formerly known as the New Orleans Handicap, is a Grade II stakes race. This race is open to 4-year-old and older Thoroughbreds and is run over a distance of 1 1/8 miles (9 furlongs) on dirt. With its significant purse and competitive field, the New Orleans Classic attracts top-class horses and serves as a highlight of the winter and spring racing season at the Fair Grounds. Known for its rich history and high level of competition, the race often features horses that go on to compete in other prestigious events throughout the year.
(Touchuponastar, owned by former Super Bowl winning Quarterback Jake Delhomme took home the New Orleans Classic on Saturday)
This year’s New Orleans Classic delivered an electrifying performance by Touchuponastar, a Louisiana-bred gelding owned by former Saints and Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme. Trained by Jeff Delhomme (father of Jake) and ridden by jockey Tim Thornton, Touchuponastar claimed his first graded stakes victory in this 1 1/8-mile dirt race. It was Jake Delhomme’s first win in a New Orleans Classic.
(Former Saints Quarterback Jake Delhomme and his family pose with one of his prized horses)
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