Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeder Association

News April 16, 2024

Delta Downs Bans Horses From New Mexico and Arizona Due to Recent Outbreak of EHV-1

Delta Downs has banned horses entering the racetrack from New Mexico and Arizona due to the recent equine herpesvirus (EHV-1) outbreak in those states.

© Coady Photography

VINTON, LA—FEBRUARY 8, 2016—Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel today announced that it is banning horses from New Mexico and Arizona due to the recent outbreak of equine herpesvirus (EHV-1) in those states. The ban takes effect immediately and will be in place until further notice in order to protect local horses and horsemen.

Equine herpesvirus is a contagious disease that has caused several horse deaths at Sunland Park in New Mexico as well as Turf Paradise in Arizona. Sunland Park suspended live racing for a minimum of 14 days beginning on January 23 and both racetracks, along with certain training centers in their areas, have also been placed under quarantine.

“The main goal of this ban is to provide safety and protect the health of our horses and horsemen here at Delta Downs,” said Delta Downs Director of Racing Chris Warren. “We believe this ban is the proper action to take in order to prevent the spread of the EHV-1 virus.”

Delta Downs's 2016 46-day Quarter Horse Meet is scheduled to open April 22 and run through July 9.

For more information about horse ban at Delta Downs contact racing secretary Matt Crawford at 1-800-589-7441, ext. 1200.

Delta Downs Racetrack Casino and Hotel, a property of Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD), features exciting casino action, live horse racing and fun dining experiences. Delta Downs is located in Vinton, Louisiana, on Delta Downs Drive. From Lake Charles take Exit 7 and from Texas, take Exit 4 off I-10.

LQHBA is the official authorized representative of the American Quarter Horse racing and breeding industry in Louisiana, the unified voice of quarter Horse breedings in the State of Louisiana for purposes of communicatting the advantages and rewards of breeding Quarter Horses in the State and for the purposes of a conducting and coordinating activities with breeding and racing agencies.