News Summary
Churchill Downs Inc. has reached an agreement with Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and local horsemen to keep the Fair Grounds Race Course operational. Despite concerns about race purses and dates due to recent revenue losses, local horsemen express optimism about managing any anticipated reductions. The Fair Grounds plays a crucial role in Louisiana’s winter horse racing scene and has significant cultural importance, with its racing season running from Thanksgiving through March.
New Orleans – Churchill Downs Inc. (CDI) has finalized an agreement with Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and local horsemen to ensure the continuation of operations at the Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots in New Orleans. This development comes amidst previous concerns regarding potential shutdowns of the esteemed racetrack, which has been a vital part of the local horse racing scene.
While the specifics of the agreement have not been made public, there are apprehensions among horsemen about possible reductions in race purses and race dates. The concern stems from CDI’s earlier indications that the financial viability of the Fair Grounds was at risk. CDI has faced significant revenue challenges, including a 46% drop in off-track betting (OTB) revenue, attributing it to a recent Louisiana Supreme Court ruling that deemed historical horse racing machines unconstitutional due to the absence of voter approval. The company has criticized new state laws that expand video poker machines, which they argue negatively affect the horse racing revenue stream.
New Orleans holds a critical position in the winter horse racing circuit, boasting a mild climate ideal for Thoroughbred training during off-peak months. The Fair Grounds hosts live racing from Thanksgiving through March, a period when few major tracks across the nation are active. The potential loss of this facility would not only disrupt local racing traditions but would also have a severe impact on Louisiana’s Thoroughbred breeding industry, which has already experienced a decline of approximately 50% over the past ten years.
Insights from Maryland’s recent initiatives to preserve horse racing could be beneficial to Louisiana if CDI were to consider halting operations. Local officials have acted to safeguard the Fair Grounds by designating it as a historic site and implementing zoning measures aimed at preserving its racetrack use. These protective measures highlight the cultural significance of the Fair Grounds, as its races are intertwined with community events, such as the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.
The agreement to continue racing is now subject to approval by the Louisiana Racing Commission, which is scheduled to convene for an emergency meeting on June 24. In the interim, local horsemen have expressed optimism about managing any anticipated decreases in purses, stating that the expected reductions would be manageable for the racing community.
The Fair Grounds has a rich history, establishing itself in 1837, which makes it one of the oldest racetracks in the United States. Its current grandstand was opened in 1997, following the destruction of the previous structure by a fire. Historically, Fair Grounds has been a hallmark of horse racing culture in New Orleans, drawing both local spectators and visitors alike.
Churchill Downs Inc., known for its significant involvement in the horse racing industry, has previously sold unprofitable tracks, such as Arlington Park in Illinois, which faced closure and demolition. However, the company has described the recent agreement regarding the Fair Grounds as a constructive outcome following thorough discussions with state officials, highlighting their commitment to preserving the region’s rich racing traditions.
As the situation develops, stakeholders in Louisiana’s horse racing community remain hopeful that the continuity of the Fair Grounds will be secured, allowing it to remain a cornerstone of winter racing and local culture.
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Additional Resources
- BloodHorse: Fair Grounds Racing to Continue After Agreement Reached
- Fox 8 Live: Deal Saves Fair Grounds Horse Racing in New Orleans Upcoming Season
- NOLA: Fair Grounds Horse Racing Updates
- Thoroughbred Daily News: Agreement Reached for Fair Grounds
- WDSU: Churchill Downs, Fair Grounds Racing Agreement Reached
- Wikipedia: Horse Racing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Horse Racing
- Google Search: Fair Grounds Race Course
- Google News: Fair Grounds Racing
- Google Scholar: Fair Grounds Racing
