Flood threat prompts Louisiana Downs to cancel live racing through Wednesday

Add Us On GoogleAdd as a preferred source on Google

Bossier sheriff's Deputy Richard Barteet pitches in as he supervises parish prisoners... — Bossier sheriff's Deputy Richard Barteet pitches in as he supervises parish prisoners sandbagging the Red Chute Bayou levee. (Source: Bossier sheriff's office)

BOSSIER CITY, LA (KSLA) - The threat of Red Chute Bayou's rising waters today prompted the closure of Harrah's Louisiana Downs Racetrack and Casino in Bossier City.

The live racing schedule has been canceled for Saturday through Wednesday. It also is unknown at this time whether Louisiana Downs will run the final weekend of the Quarter Horse meet expected to begin March 19, spokeswoman Shelly Briery said.

The racetrack will resume business operations when floodwaters recede and it is determined that the property is safe, she added.

Louisiana Downs began taking steps Thursday to evacuate the property after authorities said they expected floodwaters from Red Chute Bayou to top the levee and overflow at some point today. As residents of 2 neighborhoods adjacent to the racetrack were ordered from their homes, Briery said, Louisiana Downs managers were working with horse owners and trainers to move the racing backside community and horses housed in its stables off the property.