DELTA DOWNS FINISHES Q.H. MEET

COURTESY OF STALLIONESEARCH.COM


Lujan Wins First Riding Title & Taylor Collects Another Training Crown


VINTON, LA—JULY 17, 2007—Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel wrapped up its 2007 American Quarter Horse Season on Sunday evening with several horsemen capping off tremendous campaigns in the standings.
Alfonso Lujan snared his first riding title at Delta Downs this year with 71 wins from 383 mounts. Lujan also led all riders in mount earnings with a staggering total of $1,177,345.

Rounding out the top five riders were Danny Lavergne (56 wins), J. R. Ramirez (46), Gilbert Ortiz (45), and Orlando Baldillez (37).

Among the trainers who took part in the meeting, M. Heath Taylor won another title in Vinton, Louisiana by saddling 37 winners from 159 total starters. Taylor’s barn also led all conditioners in money won with a mark of $907,269.

Following Taylor in the standings as the meet closed out were Kenneth L. Roberts, Sr. (29), Ray Robbins (29), Danny Joe Eldridge (28) and Janet Van Bebber (24).

The most exciting race for top horsemen came among the owners, as M. C. Morris won the title with 14 victories, one more than Geral Dewitt and I’ll Take A Twirl LLC, who tied for second with 13 tallies each.

Morris had to wait until the ninth race on closing night to celebrate his title on Sunday, as his 2-year-old gelding McM Majestic Dasher won an allowance event to break a three-way tie among the top owners.

Delta Downs next live racing action will take place on Friday, October 19 when the track’s 2007-2008 Thoroughbred Meeting begins. The new season will span 93 days and run each Wednesday through Saturday until March 29.

Delta Downs Racetrack Casino and Hotel, a property of Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD), features exciting casino action, live horse racing and fun dining experiences. Delta Downs is located in Vinton, Louisiana, on Delta Downs Drive. From Lake Charles, take Exit 7 and from Texas, take Exit 4.