Youbet.com Named Super Derby Presenting Sponsor
Blood-Horse
Date Posted: 9/19/2006 3:44:05 PM Last Updated: 9/19/2006 8:42:43 PM

Harrah's Louisiana Downs Casino & Racetrack has named Youbet.com as the presenting sponsor of the track's marquee race - Super Derby XXVII - to be held Sept. 23.

Youbet.com is working to build the online segment of the track's pari-mutuel wagering business through joint marketing efforts including a national handicapping contest on Super Derby day.

"This agreement will increase the track's awareness as well as take wagering to the next level," said Pat Dennehy, regional president and general manager of Harrah's Louisiana Downs. "We are pleased to have Youbet.com join us in presenting the race."

"The Super Derby has a rich and storied history with strong brand recognition throughout the racing world," said Mark Midland, vice president of racing operations at Harrah's Louisiana Downs.

"We're delighted and proud to be sponsoring the Super Derby race and to deliver this marquee event to a vast and growing audience of online pari-mutuel customers," said Youbet CEO Charles F. Champion.

Such names as Kentucky Derby (gr. I) winners Alysheba and Sunday Silence have won the race. More recently, Tiznow - who was later voted Horse of the Year and won back-to-back Breeders' Cup Classics (gr. I) - won the Super Derby in 2000.

The 2006 race features Lawyer Ron, a prominent horse on the Triple Crown trail this spring. Louisborg, who rallied from last-to-first to capture the Prelude, will lead the local contingent along with potential starter Costa Rising. Numerous other 3-year-olds have been named as possible starters, most notably Point Determined for trainer Bob Baffert and Strong Contender for John Ward Jr.

Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Barbaro continues to slowly but gradually improve as he recovers from a shattered right hind leg and acute laminitis in his left hind foot.
"He had an excellent week," said Dean Richardson, D.V.M., the chief surgeon at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center. "We replaced the boot on his left hind foot with a bandage because the hoof is doing well."

Although he remains in the intensive care unit, Barbaro continues to be comfortable in the latest cast on his right hind leg, which he has worn for the past three weeks.

"We won't change it unless there is a reason to do so, and we will continue to monitor his comfort closely before deciding when to replace or remove this cast," Richardson said. "He is enjoying his daily excursions outside to graze, and his appetite is excellent."

Earlier this month, Richardson said Barbaro's pastern joint, which was badly broken after the start of the Preakness Stakes (G1) on May 20, appeared almost completely fused and that the foot affected by the laminitis had shown about a quarter-inch of hoof growth.