Will Horse Industry Ensure Equine Center Longevity?
BOBBY ARDOIN
Editor/Consulting Writer
The Louisiana Equine Sales And Events Center was saturated with spotlight events this past weekend, as the newly-refurbished $1.5 million facility was rededicated and then hosted the state’s Thoroughbred Breeders Association annual September auction.
Improvements completed recently were introduced at a Thursday night event, while less than 24 hours later, state horse owners converged on the facility and bid on Louisiana-bred yearlings, colts and mares during an annual September sales event.
Now owned and operated by the Central St. Landry Economic District, there is optimism that the 12-year old facility can become more financially viable than it was formerly under the direction fof a previous board of directors composed of horse industry members
Buddy Helton, the CSLED chairman, thinks there is enough strength within the Louisiana horse industry to provide more sustainability for the facility, which can also be used for social events, receptions and corporate gatherings.
If the CSLED board eventually becomes dissatisfied with the financial direction of the Equine Center, Helton says exit contingencies might be considered.
St. Landry Parish is now designated as the Equine Capital of Louisiana, with Evangeline Downs within the Opelousas city limits.
There are 228 stalls on the Equine Center property and space for 300 vehicles, according to a CSLED press release.
Helton said during an interview last week that the CSLED purchase of the Equine Center was executed with sufficient planning.
“Overall it was quite a journey, one that was sometimes wild in the making over the past year or so. There was a lot of negotiation back and forth and getting everything done, such as appraisals, inspections, insurance costs, creating a business plan and handling all the legal aspects.
“Then we needed to make a number of upgrades, with painting, the kitchen facilities, fire marshal inspections. At the end of the day, we think we made the right decision. I think the people who owned it previously didn’t have the right mix for it to prosper,” said Helton.
CSLED has also purchased 23 acres adjacent to the facility. The board has agreed to pay for grass cutting and upkeep of the property, whose function has not been determined.
Helton said the vacant tract and the Equine Center will be evaluated by the CSELD board and at some point board members could decide whether if might be more feasible to head in a different direction.
The horse industry, Helton said, is vital for the state and parish economy.
“We are looking to build on that strength and we think this facility will give the industry a stronger base,” Helton said.
At the grand reopening event on Thursday, St. Landry Economic Development executive director Bill Rodier said that Opelousas has been mentioned in the same conversation with Lexington, KY. and Ocala, FL., as one of three horse industry capitals recognized nationally.
Bloodline Magazine, which updates national horse racing news, published an article on Saturday which indicated the yearling and mixed sales for about 200 horses, hosted at the Equine Center on Friday, brought $1.2 million.
The published story indicated that an unnamed bay colt brought $115,000. Another filly by successful thoroughbred Star Guitar, was purchased for $80,000.
