News Summary
The Louisiana State Racing Commission has approved 76 race dates for the upcoming meet at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, starting November 20, 2025. Amid financial uncertainty for its parent company, Churchill Downs Inc., the season is crucial for the track’s future. A minimum of nine races per day will be maintained, and preparations for improvements at Fair Grounds are underway, with deadlines set for renovations. Stakeholders await final discussions on race dates and purse amounts as the community hopes for a profitable racing year.
New Orleans – The Louisiana State Racing Commission (LSRC) has officially approved 76 race dates for the upcoming 2025-26 meet at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. This racing season will commence on November 20, 2025, and run until March 22, 2026. Horsemen looking to prepare their horses will be granted access to the backstretch starting September 16, 2025.
During the LSRC meeting on June 24, 2025, discussions regarding specific race dates and purse amounts continued, particularly between the Louisiana Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (LHBPA) and Fair Grounds. The LSRC has stipulated a minimum of nine races per day to be maintained throughout the racing meet, as mandated by state statute.
The upcoming season is crucial for Fair Grounds, given the financial uncertainties faced by its parent company, Churchill Downs Inc. (CDI). The company previously expressed intentions to surrender its racing license following significant revenue losses attributed to a state Supreme Court ruling that declared historical horse racing machines unconstitutional. This ruling severely impacted CDI’s profitability, which heavily relied on historical horse racing wagering, accounting for approximately 75% of its profits in Louisiana.
CDI has sought legislative assistance to address the financial crisis but did not receive direct relief from the state legislature, contributing to the ongoing uncertainty regarding the racetrack’s operations. Despite these challenges, LSRC Executive Director Stephen Landry acknowledged the vital support from Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry in navigating these issues.
Moreover, preparations for improvements at Fair Grounds are underway, with renovations to the paddock area set to begin, and evaluations scheduled for June 30, 2025. The LSRC has also voted to approve a notice of intent to fine CDI $10,000 per day if the paddock renovations are not completed by November 6, 2025. CDI recognized the need for these renovations to enhance safety and operational conditions for both equine and human participants involved in the racing events.
The Fair Grounds is a key component of the horse racing calendar in the U.S., playing an important role in qualifying races for both the Kentucky Derby and the Triple Crown series. The upcoming 2025-26 season is expected to provide a platform for various horsemen and jockeys while also serving as an opportunity for CDI to rebound from its recent struggles.
As the August meetings approach, further discussions will be held to finalize race dates and purse amounts, providing a clearer picture for stakeholders involved in the Louisiana horse racing industry. The anticipation surrounding the 2025-26 season reflects not only the rich tradition of horse racing in New Orleans but also the community’s hope for a revitalized and profitable racing year.
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Additional Resources
- WDSU: Louisiana Fairgrounds Horse Racing Date
- Wikipedia: Horse Racing
- BloodHorse: Fair Grounds Meet to Move Forward
- Google Search: Horse Racing 2025-26
- Fox 8 Live: Horse Racing to Return to New Orleans
- Google Scholar: Fair Grounds Horse Racing
- Paulick Report: Dates for Fair Grounds Meet Officially Set
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Horse Racing
- NOLA: Fair Grounds Horse Racing Season to Proceed
- Google News: Louisiana Horse Racing
