Race Tracks > Louisiana Race Tracks > Delta Downs Racetrack
Delta Downs Racetrack
Vinton, Louisiana 70668
Delta Downs Racetrack, Casino and Hotel is an American thoroughbred and quarter horse racetrack in Vinton, Louisiana. The facility is owned by Boyd Gaming.
History
The track initially opened in the 1970s. It conducted low-level quarter horse and thoroughbred race meetings. In the 1990s it was bought by developer Shawn Scott for $10 million. Shortly thereafter it was sold for over $100 million to Boyd Gaming. This was after Mr. Scott managed to get a law passed allowing for slot machines at Delta Downs. After the purchase, Boyd Gaming made over $120 million in capital improvements. The casino hotel and the track itself were badly damaged by Hurricane Rita in 2005. The Casino and Hotel were partially opened two months later. The track was closed for about six months after the hurricane.
Physical Attributes
The track is a six-furlong oval. There is a 550-yard quarter horse chute in addition to a five-furlong and 1 1/16-mile thoroughbred chute. The track surface is a mixture of sand (from the Sabine river) and clay with a limestone base. The track has stabling for 1200 horses. The Delta Downs grounds now also includes horse pastures as you drive in. There are draft horses, miniature horses, and thoroughbred horses on view.
Racino
The casino has over 1,600 slots. The racino has only slots due to restrictions in state law. The hotel has 203 rooms, with 36 suites.
