Delta Downs in Vinton, La., will open a 36-date meet for Quarter Horses on Wednesday night, and spectators will be alllowed at the races after state officials last week approved Phase 2 reopening protocols in Louisiana. For opening week, patrons will be able to enter the track's simulcast area one hour before post, according to a press release from Delta. 

Entries for Wednesday 

Delta had been scheduled to start its meet April 17, but the start date was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

DRF BETS 

Delta will race on a Wednesday through Saturday schedule until July 23, when racing will shift to Thursday through Saturday through the closing day card Aug. 22. There will be no racing from Aug. 6-8, however, as Delta will be hosting the Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeders' Association yearling sale, according to a press release. Post times vary for opening week due to trials, but through the course of the meet the races will start at 5:15 p.m. Central on Wednesdays and Thursdays and 6:15 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.  

For this Friday, when Delta puts on 15 trials for the $329,410 Louisiana Lassie Futurity, first post will be 3:50 p.m. Central. The card this Saturday features 18 trials for the $357,981 Louisiana Laddie and first post will be 2:35 p.m.

The stakes schedule is topped by Louisiana Showcase Night on Aug. 22. The program of eight stakes for Louisiana-breds is led by the $1 million-estimated Lee Berwick Futurity. 

Kenneth Roberts, Sr., will be vying for his 10th local training title this meet, while Everado Rodriguez returns to defend his riding title from 2019.