A fitting nickname for Evangeline Downs would be the "Birthplace of Legends." Many of the world's finest jockeys started off with us here in Cajun Country. The list includes Randy Romero, Eddie Delahoussaye, Ray Sibille, Shane Sellers, Mark Guidry, Curt Bourque, Ronald Ardoin, Calvin Borel, Robbie Albarado, and multiple Eclipse Award winner Kent Desormeaux.
Alonzo Guajardo guides John Henry to victory in the Lafayette Futurity
On the equine side, the great John Henry won his very first stakes victory here, capturing the Lafayette Futurity on September 5, 1977. In 1982, Wild Again, winner of the inaugural $3 million Breeders' Cup Classic, raced at Evangeline Downs in the early stages of his career.
In November 1988, Evangeline Downs became part of Louisiana racing history by being the sole recipient of the first inter-track wagering signal in the state, simulcasting races from the New Orleans Fair Grounds.
On June 3, 2000 Hallowed Dreams was victorious in the Tellike Stakes, winning her 14th consecutive victory, in 14 starts, setting a new American record for consecutive victories by a thoroughbred filly.
