Delta Downs will again host $1 million Jackpot on special daytime card

Delta Downs will again host $1 million Jackpot on special

daytime card

Delta Downs has released its 2011-2012 Thoroughbred stakes schedule, which

includes 30 races and more than $4 million in total purse money.

The highlight of the 88-day season, which runs from October 19 through March

17, will come on November 19. On that day the track will host eight stakes races

and offer more than $2 million in total purse money with the season's richest

race, the $1 million Delta Downs Jackpot (G3), serving as the main attraction.

Last year's $1 million Delta Downs Jackpot program was historic, as it

produced the highest single-day handle in track history of $3,817,849. The

11-race card also marked the first time the season's richest race day was

conducted during daylight hours, as the track's regular programs are run at

night. That tradition will continue this year as the first post time on the

Delta Downs Jackpot Day card is set for 1:15 p.m. (CST).

Other highlights of the new stakes schedule include a pair of prep races on

opening weekend, October 22. The $200,000 Jean Lafitte will serve as a stepping

stone to the Delta Downs Jackpot and the $150,000 My Trusty Cat for two-year-old

fillies is a prelude to the $500,000 Delta Downs Princess (G3), which is the

only other graded stakes race of the season. The Delta Downs Princess is also

scheduled for November 19.

The richest nighttime program of the season will take place on February 4

with another edition of Louisiana Premier Night. The LAPN card features 10

stakes races for Louisiana-bred horses and more than $1 million in total purse

money. The highlight of LAPN is the $200,000 Louisiana Premier Night

Championship for older horses competing at 1 1/16 miles.

Delta Downs' 2011-2012 Thoroughbred meeting will feature live racing each

Wednesday through Saturday. Post times each evening will be at 5:45 p.m.