OPELOUSAS, La. (AP) – Evangeline Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel will begin its historic 50th season Wednesday.

The 84-day meeting will run through Aug. 29 and include live racing each Wednesday through Saturday night beginning at 5:40 p.m. CDT.

The new season will feature 21 stakes races worth total purse money of more than $1.9 million.

The highlight of the meet will be Saturday, May 30, when the track hosts the second running of the $300,000 Evangeline Downs Turf Sprint for 3-year-olds and older competing at five furlongs over the course. The inaugural race was won by Heitai, who may return to defend his title this year.

Evangeline Downs Turf Sprint Day will also include four other stakes races for a total of $640,000 in purse money.