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Fair Grounds Race Course

The Fair Grounds Race Course, located in New Orleans, Louisiana, is America's third-oldest racetrack, with on the site dating back to 1837 and official operations under its current name beginning on April 13, 1872, when it was established by the Louisiana Jockey Club. Originally known as the Union Race Course from 1852 to 1857 and later the Creole Course from 1859, the venue evolved into the Mechanics and Agricultural Fair Grounds by 1863, serving multiple purposes including exhibitions, Civil War military use as Camp Walker for Confederate troops, and early sporting events like boxing and baseball before focusing on horse racing. The track has endured significant challenges, including grandstand fires in 1918 and 1993, which led to rebuilds with modern facilities, as well as damage from Hurricane Katrina in 2005 that temporarily displaced racing to other venues and skipped the Louisiana Derby for the first time since the early 1940s. Ownership transitioned through local families in the late 20th century before being acquired by Churchill Downs Incorporated in 2004, which has overseen expansions including slot machine gaming since 2007 and off-track betting. The racetrack's racing season traditionally runs from Thanksgiving Day through late March or Easter, featuring approximately 800 thoroughbred races annually and drawing notable figures in its early years, such as General George Custer, who trained horses there in 1872, and , who visited in 1880. Its marquee event, the Louisiana Derby, inaugurated in 1894 as a key prep race for the with a current purse of $1 million (as of 2025), has produced champions like (1924 winner), several of whom are buried on the grounds. Beyond racing, the Fair Grounds holds cultural significance as the longtime home of the since 1972, blending equestrian tradition with the city's vibrant music heritage. As of 2025, legislative measures, including a June agreement ensuring continued operations, have secured its future as a racetrack amid ongoing activities that include live thoroughbred meets, casino gaming, and community events.

History

Origins and early operations (1852–1872)

By 1852, the site had been redeveloped and renamed the Union Race Course, opening on under proprietor James L. Imlay, with its main entrance at Gentilly and Roads; it quickly hosted notable match races, such as the December 2, 1853, event where the legendary stallion defeated Sallie Waters for an $8,500 purse. However, intense competition from the rival Metairie Course led to financial difficulties, forcing closure in 1857; it briefly reopened as the Creole Race Course in 1859 under the Metairie Trotting and Pacing Club, shifting focus to trotting and pacing events before ceasing operations again amid the . The track was repurposed as the Mechanics' and Agricultural Fairgrounds in 1863, hosting exhibitions and limited races during wartime occupation. The Louisiana Jockey Club, originally formed in 1838 by prominent New Orleans citizens including to promote at venues near Gentilly Road, was revived in 1871 and renovated the site for renewed , culminating in its official opening as the Fair Grounds Race Course on April 13, 1872, under the club's sponsorship. This inaugural meet established it as the third-oldest continuously operating in the United States, behind only and , and solidified its place in New Orleans' cultural fabric as a premier venue for social gatherings and sporting tradition.

Expansion and challenges (1873–2005)

Following the resumption of operations under the in , the Fair Grounds Race Course underwent significant expansion, solidifying its position as a premier venue for in the American South. The club, formed in , invested in renovations and hosted its inaugural meet on , , drawing large crowds and establishing the track's reputation for high-stakes events. By 1880, the New Louisiana Jockey Club raised $75,000 to purchase the property outright, enabling further infrastructure improvements and consistent winter racing seasons that attracted southern breeders and bettors. Racing at the Fair Grounds faced a major interruption from 1908 to 1916 due to Louisiana's anti-gambling Locke Law, which outlawed bookmaking and effectively banned statewide amid reforms targeting vice. The legislation, passed by the in 1908, forced the closure of both the Fair Grounds and rival Jefferson Downs, halting operations and contributing to financial strain for track owners. Racing resumed in 1916 after the law's repeal, with the Fair Grounds reopening under renewed management and hosting meets that helped revive the sport in New Orleans. The track endured multiple devastating fires throughout the , testing its resilience. On December 28, 1918, a blaze destroyed the shortly after racing's postwar resumption, requiring a temporary wooden structure for the 1919 season while a new facility was built. Another fire struck on December 17, 1993, igniting in the jockeys' locker room due to faulty wiring and escalating into a seven-alarm that gutted the historic wooden and clubhouse after that day's races. No injuries occurred, but the damage displaced operations; racing continued in makeshift tents and temporary facilities for three years until a modern, air-conditioned opened in September 1997, incorporating updated safety features. World War II and broader 20th-century economic pressures posed additional threats to the Fair Grounds' survival. During the war, fuel and material shortages curtailed operations, and postwar inflation strained finances amid competition from new tracks like . In 1941, the track faced auction and potential development into housing, but oil magnate William G. Helis intervened with a $525,000 bid to preserve it for racing, allowing meets to resume fully after 1945. Persistent challenges, including fluctuating attendance and regional rivalries, culminated in filings in the early 2000s, exacerbated by declining pari-mutuel wagering. Hurricane Katrina in August 2005 inflicted severe damage, flooding the grounds with up to 8 feet of water from levee breaches and destroying half the grandstand's roof, stucco walls, and interior structures. With no horses or staff present, the track served briefly as a for efforts, but the storm halted all operations, marking the longest closure in its history at over a year. Amid these trials, acquired the Fair Grounds out of bankruptcy for $47 million in October 2004, approved by a federal court the prior month, integrating it into their portfolio as a key winter racing asset.

Modern ownership and recent developments (2006–present)

Following extensive repairs to address the severe damage inflicted by in 2005, Fair Grounds Race Course reopened for training on November 1, 2006, and hosted its first post-storm race meet starting November 23, 2006, with an 81-day season running through March 25, 2007. The swift reconstruction, led by track president Randall Soth and (CDI), emphasized resilience through modernized infrastructure, including a glass-enclosed , to restore operations and support New Orleans' economic recovery. Under CDI's ownership since 2004, the venue transitioned into a with the introduction of slot machines, beginning with a temporary 250-machine on September 21, 2007, followed by a permanent 700-machine opening on November 14, 2008. This development integrated gaming with live racing, generating significant revenue to bolster purses and operations, with the slots contributing to a 70% rate shortly after launch. Fair Grounds continues to play a central role in Louisiana's industry, exemplified by its 2024–2025 season, which featured a 76-day meet with 63 stakes races offering a total of $8.875 million in purses—an increase of $325,000 over the prior year to attract top talent. The season's confirmation proceeded amid evolving gaming laws, including disputes over historical horse racing machines, which sought as a replacement after local referendums blocked their implementation. In November 2025, as the 154th racing season is set to commence on November 22, Fair Grounds unveiled key venue upgrades, including a renovated paddock with improved drainage, elegant pavers, enhanced landscaping, a new sculpture, and a coin fountain designed to raise funds for equine rehabilitation charities. These enhancements, centrally located near the , aim to elevate the while supporting industry welfare initiatives.

Facilities

Track layout and configuration

The Fair Grounds Race Course features a one-mile dirt main designed for , running counterclockwise and characterized by its elongated stretch of 1,346 feet, the longest in , which allows for extended finishing runs in longer races. This supports standard race distances ranging from sprints of 5.5 furlongs to routes up to 1 1/8 miles, with no chutes present, requiring two turns for most events beyond short sprints. The track's shape includes gradual turns that favor speed horses, particularly those racing along the rail during the stretch. Complementing the dirt oval is a seven-furlong turf course located inside the main track, enabling a variety of grass races typically contested at distances from 5.5 furlongs to 1 1/8 miles. The turf configuration features tighter bends compared to the dirt, emphasizing early speed and positioning due to the compact oval layout. This grass surface, known as the Stall-Wilson Turf Course, was introduced in 1981 to expand racing options and diversify the meet. The track's configuration has evolved through multiple reconstructions to maintain its core design while adapting to safety and environmental needs. Early operations used traditional dirt surfaces, with significant rebuilds following events like the 1993 fire that damaged facilities and the 2005 , which flooded the grounds and necessitated a $16 million completed by 2006 to restore the one-mile dirt and turf course. A major renovation in 1989 also enhanced the track's infrastructure without altering its fundamental layout. Throughout these changes, the dirt has remained a standard soil-sand mixture optimized for drainage, while the turf has been maintained as natural grass to support year-round usability during the winter meet.

Grandstand, amenities, and infrastructure

The main at Fair Grounds Race Course, which includes the clubhouse and suite seating, accommodates approximately 5,000 persons. Following a devastating seven-alarm on December 17, 1993, that destroyed the original and clubhouse structures, the facility underwent a reconstruction project, resulting in a modern, enclosed, and air-conditioned that opened in 1997. Visitor amenities at the race course emphasize convenience and comfort, with multiple dining options available in the fourth-floor Clubhouse , offering upscale meals and seated viewing of races. Betting is facilitated through on-site windows and self-service terminals supporting various wagers such as Win, Place, Show, and exotics. Ample free parking is provided across over 750,000 square feet of lots, with valet service available on race days for $10 to $20. In November 2008, a permanent slot-machine gaming facility opened adjacent to the , featuring up to 700 machines and transitioning from a temporary 250-machine setup introduced the prior year. For the 2025-26 racing season, significant upgrades enhanced the paddock area with renovated drainage, pavers, and landscaping, including a new and where proceeds support equine charities. Overlooking this space is the new , an outdoor venue equipped with a private bar, state-of-the-art , and upscale furnishings to improve event hosting capabilities. Additional improvements include an updated Tenacious Bar with expanded paddock views and enhancements to the Winner’s Circle for post-race activities. Post-Hurricane infrastructure enhancements at Fair Grounds focused on , including a storm water segregation project that installed dedicated pumping and piping systems to separate from animal and , mitigating flood-related contamination risks. The grandstand itself avoided direct flooding during the 2005 storm but sustained wind damage, prompting repairs that reinforced the overall facility's durability.

Racing

Annual meet and schedule

The Fair Grounds Race Course has long maintained a traditional meet spanning from mid-November to late March, aligning with the winter racing season in the . This schedule provides a consistent for horsemen, bettors, and fans, featuring live primarily on Thursdays through Sundays with standard post times of 12:45 PM. The meet incorporates holiday programming, including the Classic on November 27 and on , enhancing attendance during festive periods. For the 2025–2026 season, the meet commences on November 20, 2025, and concludes on March 22, 2026, encompassing 76 racing dates approved by the . This iteration includes variations such as twilight racing on select dates, like March 14, 2026, with a 3:00 PM post time. Complementing the calendar, Fair Grounds integrates Quarter Horse racing as a precursor meet, such as the 2025 season that ran from July 31 to August 30, allowing for year-round track utilization and diverse equine events. The overall schedule remains subject to adjustments for weather or regulatory factors; for instance, severe regional weather in early 2025 prompted purse reductions to sustain operations, while the 2025–2026 dates were finalized through an emergency commission approval amid ownership disputes.

Major stakes races and events

The major stakes races at Fair Grounds Race Course form a prestigious series that highlights the track's role in American Thoroughbred racing, particularly as key preparations for the and other high-profile events. These competitions, part of the annual winter meet from late November to late March, feature graded status for many events and have seen purse increases in recent years to elevate their appeal and award more qualifying points on the Road to the . Central to the schedule is the Louisiana Derby, a Grade 2 race contested at 1 3/16 miles for three-year-olds with a $1 million purse, scheduled for March 21, 2026, during the 2025-26 meet. This event awards 100-50-25-15-10 points to the top five finishers for the , underscoring its status as a premier prep race that has produced multiple contenders over the decades. For older horses, the New Orleans Classic stands out as a Grade 2 race at 1 1/8 miles with a $500,000 purse, held on the closing weekend of the meet and marking its 101st running in 2025-26 following the 100th in the prior season. Complementing it is the Classic, a six-furlong sprint on dirt for three-year-olds and up offering a $225,000 purse on November 27, 2025, which also celebrated its 100th edition in 2024-25. Purse enhancements for the 2024-25 meet specifically targeted Road to the Derby races, including increases to $250,000 for the Grade 3 Lecomte Stakes in January and $500,000 for the Grade 2 Risen Star Stakes in February, to heighten competition and national interest ahead of the Louisiana Derby. Other prominent graded stakes include the New Orleans Handicap, a Grade 2 event for older males at 1 1/8 miles.

Non-Racing Activities

Cultural and public events

The Fair Grounds Race Course has served as the primary venue for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival since 1972, transforming the historic racetrack into a central hub for celebrating the city's musical and cultural traditions annually over two weekends in late April and early May. The 2025 edition of the festival was held April 24–27 and May 1–4, drawing approximately 460,000 attendees to experience performances across multiple stages, showcasing genres from jazz and blues to gospel, zydeco, and international acts, alongside Louisiana crafts, cuisine, and heritage demonstrations. This longstanding partnership underscores the venue's role in preserving and promoting New Orleans' vibrant cultural identity, with the festival's infield layout utilizing the racetrack's expansive grounds to accommodate large crowds and diverse programming. Beyond music festivals, the Fair Grounds hosts whimsical public events that blend entertainment with community engagement, including special racing days featuring non-traditional competitors. Wiener dog races, where purebred Dachshunds compete in short sprints for cash prizes totaling up to $1,000, have become a beloved annual tradition, attracting families and spectators for their lighthearted spectacle. Similarly, exotic animal races involving zebras, camels, and ostriches have been a staple since 2012, held on designated family days with post times in the early afternoon to encourage broad participation and sellout crowds. These events highlight the venue's versatility in offering accessible, fun-filled alternatives to standard , fostering a festive atmosphere open to . Public promotions at the Fair Grounds further enhance its appeal as a community gathering spot, particularly through the Slot Rewards Club, which organizes daily events like hot seat drawings, giveaways, and free play incentives to engage visitors beyond gaming. activities, such as these promotional days combined with the exotic races, emphasize inclusive , with free parking and themed weekends designed to draw diverse crowds for relaxed outings. The venue's historical significance in New Orleans culture is exemplified by its resilience following in 2005, when it hosted community-focused events to aid recovery efforts. Notably, the 2006 Jazz & Heritage Festival proceeded just months after the storm, despite extensive damage to the grounds, symbolizing communal healing and the return of cultural life to the city with performances that honored local resilience. This role has cemented the Fair Grounds as more than a racetrack, positioning it as an enduring cultural anchor for public gatherings that reflect the spirit of New Orleans.

Private and corporate events

The Fair Grounds Race Course provides a distinctive venue for private and corporate events, such as weddings, meetings, and business functions, utilizing its historic facilities in . A primary space for these occasions is the Apron Tent, a 3,200-square-foot area situated between the main building and the racetrack, which can host up to 250 guests for weddings and receptions while offering eye-level views of the track and passing horses. The venue's group sales team supports corporate meetings through customizable packages that feature tailored dining arrangements and scenic overlooks of the racing action or the downtown New Orleans skyline, allowing for flexible setups ranging from elegant receptions to casual gatherings. Interested parties can initiate bookings via email at [email protected] or by calling (504) 948-1285, with the process facilitated through the Tripleseat platform for streamlined planning. These private events capitalize on the track's rich as one of the nation's oldest venues, dating to 1872, and incorporate on-site gaming at the adjacent slots area alongside diverse dining options to create immersive, multifaceted experiences.

Media and

On-site personalities and announcements

The role of on-site personalities at Fair Grounds Race Course has long centered on track announcers who deliver live race calls from the booth, capturing the excitement of each contest for spectators in the grandstand and those tuning in via . Historically, John Kenneth "Jack" O'Hara served as a prominent track announcer in the mid-20th century, known for his encouragement of emerging talents in the field and his contributions as a turf writer and author before his induction into the Fair Grounds Racing Hall of Fame in 1993. Following this era, Tony Bentley took over as the lead announcer starting in 1974, holding the position for 27 years until his retirement in 2001 and establishing the longest tenure of any announcer in the track's . After Bentley's departure, announcer Michael Wrona and Frank Mirahmadi shared calling duties for a brief period in the early , bringing international flair and precise descriptions to the races. In 2004, John G. Dooley assumed the role of track announcer, a position he has maintained into the 2025-26 season, marking over two decades of service where he is recognized for his enthusiastic and accurate calls that highlight key moments in races. Dooley's tenure has coincided with the track's recovery and growth post-Hurricane Katrina, including memorable calls of standout performances like those of Horse of the Year in the 2009 Fair Grounds Oaks. Complementing the announcers, on-site TV personalities such as lead racing analyst and paddock host Joe Kristufek have been integral since the 2017-18 meet, conducting pre-race interviews with trainers, s, and owners in the paddock to provide context and build anticipation for spectators. These personalities enhance the overall experience by offering insider insights, fostering a among attendees, and bridging the gap between the track's historic traditions and modern broadcasting elements like live shows such as "Fair Grounds Today." Guest appearances by figures like retired Rosie Napravnik further enrich events, as seen in her co-hosting roles for special days focused on horse advocacy. The evolution of these roles reflects broader changes in horse racing media, transitioning from solo announcers to a collaborative team today that integrates announcements with on-ground interviews and digital integration for a more immersive spectator engagement. This progression has sustained Fair Grounds' reputation as a vibrant venue, where personalities not only narrate races but also connect fans to the sport's drama and heritage.

Television coverage and simulcasting

The broadcasting of races at Fair Grounds Race Course has evolved from local radio announcements in the mid-20th century to comprehensive national television coverage and digital ing, reflecting broader advancements in media distribution. Initially, coverage was limited to on-site and regional broadcasts, but by the late , major stakes races began appearing on national networks, enhancing visibility for events like the Louisiana Derby. This progression aligned with the track's ownership changes, particularly after (CDI) acquired Fair Grounds in 2004, integrating it into a unified media framework that emphasized wide-reaching simulcast signals. National television coverage primarily focuses on high-profile stakes races, with NBC Sports serving as the key broadcaster for events qualifying for the Kentucky Derby. For instance, the Louisiana Derby receives live telecasts on CNBC and streaming via Peacock, as seen in the 2025 edition aired on March 22 starting at 6:00 p.m. ET, providing comprehensive analysis and multi-camera production. Similarly, the Fair Grounds Oaks has been featured on NBC Sports, with the 2024 race broadcast on March 23, underscoring the network's role in spotlighting the track's winter meet. These broadcasts, part of NBC's long-standing "Road to the Kentucky Derby" series, typically include expert commentary and highlight the track's 1+1⁄8-mile dirt oval configuration during key moments. For the 2025-26 season, national coverage and simulcasting continue under similar arrangements. Simulcasting extends Fair Grounds races to (OTB) sites and platforms, enabling wagering beyond the venue. The track distributes live signals to 13 OTB locations in the New Orleans area, where patrons can view and bet on races via dedicated screens and wagering terminals, with schedules coordinated through the official calendar. , TwinSpires—CDI's advance deposit wagering —facilitates access, allowing users to replays on TwinSpiresTV and place bets on all races with options like Win, Place, Show, Exactas, and multi-race wagers such as the $0.50 minimum 5 on the final five races daily. This integration leverages CDI's media ecosystem, which unifies content across properties like , ensuring seamless digital distribution and enhanced wagering handle during the annual meet. For the 2024–2025 season, enhancements in online wagering and live streams maintained continuity amid operational challenges, with TwinSpires offering free access to race replays and expanded betting menus to boost engagement. National coverage persisted through for marquee events, while signals supported a projected increase in handle from the $8.875 million purse program, including boosted stakes like the Grade II Louisiana Derby. These developments reinforced Fair Grounds' position within CDI's broader streaming and broadcasting infrastructure, prioritizing accessibility for remote audiences.

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