Racing Season Begins at Fair Grounds in New Orleans

Thirty-four-hundred applications were submitted for the track’s 1,800 available stalls. (AI Wire Image)

With an area of 1,300 acres, 150-year-old City Park is in shambles since the occurrence of Hurricane Katrina. One might not assume that with the weedy wasteland in this condition that the conditions would be completely different just a few miles south.

A traditional Thanksgiving Day event is underway on Thursday, Nov. 22, kicking off the horseracing season at nearby Fair Grounds Racetrack.

After its exile to Louisiana Downs post-hurricane and a successful return to New Orleans in 2006-07, this year poses high expectations for the tracks' season. The number of horses fighting for their spot at Fair Grounds proves just that, as approximately 3,400 applications were submitted for the track’s 1,800 available stalls.

"Right now, I'm looking for someone to show up short, so I can help some of these people out" with stalls, racing secretary Sam Abbey said earlier this week.

The track is also receiving major upgrades this year, increasing the tracks racing product, and should please visitors and occupants visiting the grounds this year. The infield tote board has replaced its peg version to more clear LED display, the paddock surface has been improved by 14,000 square feet of rubberized pavers. Patrons will also find that all 72 club seats have been replaced.

Although the construction of a new development involving the parking lots and a new facility for slot machines may be a minor irritant, the benefits should prove to be a great as a result. The revenue from additional slot machines is expected to increase the value of the purse distribution overall.

Owners and trainers alike have many stalls booked for this 81 day meet including Larry Jones, who kicked off Hard Spun's 2007 season in the Lecomte Stakes here last January. One of the industries top owner's, Bill Mott, has brought in a string of horses for the first time since the mid-1980s, and Hall of Famer Bobby Frankel has doubled the size of his local string this year.

"I've heard a lot of good things," said trainer Mark Casse, who has 25 horses here. This is his first meet at Fair Grounds. "It's funny, I can tell you, I'm a Floridian, but as far as owners go, when I said I was going to New Orleans for the first time, people were pretty excited about it."

Fair Grounds will race Thursday-Sunday throughout the season, with Mondays added from Dec. 24-Feb. 18. The season concludes on March 23.

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