Evangeline Downs Kicks Off 60 Years Of Racing Excitement

(KMDL-FM) For those who love the fast-paced, high-energy action of thoroughbred horse racing, your day has arrived. Friday, April 3rd, marks the return of thoroughbred horse racing to Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino in Opelousas.

READ MORE: Louisiana Man Wins $1 Million Playing Penny Slots 

For those who have been around for more than a few seasons, it might still shock you to learn that horses have been racing at the South Louisiana track for 60 years now. Yes, this marks the 60th season, and based on the plans we've heard about, it promises to be a year to remember.

Can You Bet on the Kentucky Derby at Evangeline Downs?

Not only will the racing cards be filled with great racing among local horses, trainers, and breeders. The Opelousas track will also feature some of the biggest events in racing during the summer. Patrons can watch and wager on the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes as part of horse racing's "Triple Crown".

Another exciting addition to watching and wagering on live racing is the new Bayou Bet 6. This "exotic" wager allows players to make their choices for the winners of the last six races on each night's card. You can bet that the rollover money from the Bayou Bet 6 will allow for some really large jackpots throughout the course of the racing season.

When Does Evangeline Downs Hold Live Thoroughbred Racing?

The racing schedule will feature live cards Wednesday through Saturday until May 2nd. At that time, the schedule will be adjusted to feature live racing Thursday through Saturday. On August 31st, the track will host a Monday night card with the Louisiana Breeders Sale taking place at Evangeline Downs the following day.  The season concludes with racing on Friday, Saturday, and Monday of Labor Day Weekend.

READ MORE: Wanna Win the Lottery in Louisiana? Play These Numbers

The marquee night of the season will take place on Saturday, June 6, with Louisiana Legends Night.  The program features six stake races for Louisiana-bred runners, with each purse $100,000 guaranteed.

First "post" for live racing nights will be at 5:30 pm throughout the racing season. Evangeline Downs is located in Opelousas, Louisiana. The facility features over 39,000 square feet of casino space as well as a racetrack that boasts state-of-the-art facilities with a 7/8-mile turf track and a one-mile main track.

The casino includes over 1,000 slot and video poker machines, two dining options, and plenty of meeting space, including track-side private club suites.

Who knows, you might run into a former U.L. Ragin' Cajun quarterback who has had quite a bit of success in the horse racing game. Perhaps you'll recognize them from this list.