News Summary
The Louisiana State Racing Commission has officially approved horse racing dates at the Fair Grounds Race Course for the 2025-2026 season, from November 20 to March 22. This decision comes amid financial concerns for horse racing in Louisiana, exacerbated by a recent Supreme Court ruling on historical horse racing machines. The Commission emphasized the importance of maintaining race dates, while local officials affirmed the profitability of Churchill Downs, the owner of Fair Grounds. The Commission is set to meet again in June to discuss the financial future of the racing meet.
New Orleans – The Louisiana State Racing Commission convened an emergency meeting on Tuesday to officially approve the horse racing dates for the 2025-2026 season at the Fair Grounds Race Course. The races will take place from November 20 to March 22, aligning with the venue’s traditional schedule.
The approval comes amidst ongoing challenges regarding public funding and licensing for horse racing. Initially, Churchill Downs, the owner-operator of the Fair Grounds, raised concerns about continuing horse racing at the venue if it did not receive a public subsidy. Following discussions, an agreement was reached that allows racing to proceed despite these financial worries.
The uncertainty surrounding horse racing in Louisiana was exacerbated by a recent ruling from the Louisiana Supreme Court, which determined that historical horse racing (HHR) machines were illegal without local voter approval. This ruling has significant financial implications for Churchill Downs, which reported that the absence of HHR machines would nearly halve their revenue in the state. Approximately 46% of Churchill Downs’ revenue from off-track betting is generated through these machines, significantly contributing to the operational viability of the Fair Grounds.
Despite these issues, the Louisiana State Racing Commission emphasized that licensed tracks have a responsibility to meet their race date commitments, barring any serious economic difficulties. During the meeting, local stakeholders rebutted Churchill Downs’ concerns by highlighting the company’s overall healthy financial status. The Commission is scheduled to reconvene on June 15 to further examine the financial sustainability of the racing meet.
Previously, elected officials remarked that revenue generated from HHR machines played a critical role in maintaining the financial stability of the Fair Grounds. In response to potential changes regarding the property, the New Orleans City Council established an interim zoning district to safeguard the Fair Grounds, restricting its use solely to horse racing activities. Furthermore, measures were enacted to designate the Fair Grounds as a historic site, which would require legislative approval for any major alterations such as demolition or an end to horse racing.
The Fair Grounds Race Course, recognized as one of the oldest horse racing tracks in the United States, has been operational since 1837. Churchill Downs acquired the venue in 2004, and public records indicate that the company has a valuation of approximately $7 billion. The combination of historical significance and economic impact makes the operation of the Fair Grounds an important subject for local stakeholders and the racing community.
In a broader context, the future of horse racing in Louisiana remains a topic of debate, particularly as lawmakers continue to navigate the legality and economic implications of HHR machines. The approval of the racing meet dates provides a temporary resolution but underscores ongoing discussions regarding the financial realities faced by the Fair Grounds and its parent company.
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