Fair Grounds Meet to Move Forward After Dates Approved
Meeting June 24 in New Orleans, the Louisiana Racing Commission formally approved customary race dates for Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, during which the track will race Nov. 20-March 22. The approval by the commission was little more than a formality after Louisiana horsemen and track operator Churchill Downs Inc. reached an agreement last week to race.
The future of racing at the historic track had been in doubt after CDI threatened to surrender its racing license without legislative relief following court rulings and the advancement of legislation that CDI viewed as financially detrimental. Central to CDI’s concerns was a Louisiana Supreme Court ruling in March that declared the statute authorizing historical horse racing gaming unconstitutional without first requiring local voter approval. Fair Grounds still has a casino and can operate video poker machines at its off-track betting locations.
Last week, CDI noted constructive conversations with Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and Louisiana Senate President Cameron Henry. In a statement released on Tuesday following the LRC meeting, CDI added that it “remains committed to working collaboratively to ensure Fair Grounds continues to prosper.”
Specifics about the meet purse structure will not be finalized until after a planned August meeting with horsemen, CDI indicated.
CDI promised that its delayed paddock improvements at Fair Grounds are “moving forward,” noting the replacement of “paddock pavers to ensure a smooth and uniform walking surface in the paddock area—an improvement that will enhance safety for both horses and horsemen and support the overall functionality and presentation of the racetrack.”
