Recently, Louisiana Downs Casino and Racetrack has seen its share of controversy. It was recently reported that money was missing from the horse racing purse. In that same time frame, two managers suddenly left their positions, and a decision was made about the Super Derby.
Since Rubico Gaming's complete takeover in Feb. 2022, Louisiana Downs has seen the hardships of infrastructure conversion and management shifts.
Earlier this month a complaint was filed reporting a possible $2 million missing from the horse racing purse.
Shortly after the report, rumors began circulating about the departure of managers. However, owner Kevin Preston says their departures had nothing to do with the reported missing funds, stating that "in a company, there's always a few people that part ways."
He said one of the managers left for family issues and had to return home. Preston had no details on why the second manager left, "the other gentleman just decided to leave and there's nothing we could do."
More: Is $2 million missing from Louisiana Downs purse? Attorney general 'aware of the complaint'
Will there be a 2022 Super Derby?
On Aug. 11, Louisiana Downs announced they will be postponing the Super Derby for 2022 and will be returning in 2023. Preston said that this move will allow for an extra year of adding revenue to the purse structure.
"The timing of when we closed the acquisition on the Louisiana Downs didn't give us enough runway to really, truly put this race on the level that we think it deserves," said Preston.
Thoroughbred horse trainer and LAHBPA Board Member, Ron Faucheux said, “I think this is definitely the right decision to postpone the event given the current purse structure. With the different forms of gaming, which will increase purses in the future, this is a great long-term event to have, just definitely not this year."
Over the next year, Louisiana Downs will be investing in its restaurants and the casino, with 100 new slots coming to the casino floor bringing in more revenue. Louisiana Downs will also be adding revenue from the Historical Horse Racing machines, the additional Off Track Betting locations and the sportsbook.
"We feel the property will be in a much better situation next year when the HHR, Sportsbook and OTB revenues truly kick in which will significantly add to our purse structure not to mention our restaurant offerings and continued improvements to the property which will truly put Louisiana Downs in the spotlight and in a much better position for great things ahead,” said Preston.