Special Day at Louisiana Downs For Alvarez Family

David Alvarez, Jr.'s proud family looks on as Martha Claussen interviews the jockey after riding his first official race in Sunday's Day 2 Mardi Gras Futurity trials at Louisiana Downs.

� Roxanne Tanner

Their oldest child, David Jr. rode his first career race, finishing a game second aboard Blue Bueno, owned by Jose Estrada Quarter Horses and trained by Willie Simien.

Breaking from the rail, next to his father who rode LRH Twisted Sister, the 16-year-old dueled briefly with the winner Bellas First Rogue, finishing a game second at odds of 21-1.

His proud parents and two younger sisters watched as their son talked about his riding debut following the race.

“I really thought I was going to win,” he stated. “Last year, I decided that I wanted to get my license, but after today, I can’t wait to win my first race!”

Trials for the Mardi Gras Derby Set for Monday, March 7

Louisiana Downs will host five trials for the $50,000-added Mardi Gras Derby on Monday, March 7, beginning at 1:00 pm. The ten top 3-year-old qualifiers from the 400-yard trials will advance to the final on Sunday, March 27.

About Louisiana Downs
Located near Shreveport in Bossier City, Louisiana, Louisiana Downs opened in 1974 and is now owned by Rubico Acquisition Corporation. With annual Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing seasons, the track is committed to presenting the highest quality racing programs paired with its 150,000 square foot entertainment complex offering casino gambling, dining and plasma screen televisions for sports and simulcast racing.