Off-track horse racing betting will resume at Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans from Nov. 20 through March 22, 2026.
The Louisiana Racing Commission (LRC) held an emergency public hearing on Tuesday at Hotel Monteleone, where the racing dates were formally ratified, according to FOX 8. The action follows a leadership change at Churchill Downs, Inc. (CDI), which owns Fair Grounds and had first signaled its intent to abandon Louisiana racing.
Key Takeaways
- Horse race betting is confirmed to resume in New Orleans.
- The racing will occur at the Fair Grounds, owned by Churchill Downs.
- The resumption of horse racing comes after Churchill Downs attempted to revoke its license at the grounds.
While there is no agreement for seasons beyond next year, the vote at least promises live racing for another winter. CDI also stated that work on renovations to its paddock facility is ongoing. The LRC stated it would impose fines on Del Mar unless the improvements are made before the opener.
This development followed recent negotiations between CDI and Louisiana's Horsemen's Association and coincided with interventions from Governor Jeff Landry, Senate President Cameron Henry, and local officials.
Additionally, the New Orleans City Council enacted a temporary zoning measure on June 12 to preserve the Fair Grounds' role in horse racing by limiting unrelated land development. The track, under CDI ownership since 2004, is one of the oldest in the country, with roots dating back to the mid-19th century.
Churchill Downs previously threatened to surrender license
Churchill Downs wrote a letter to the LRC in early June, stating that it would relinquish its racing license at Fair Grounds. The June 9 letter, signed by CDI CEO Bill Carstanjen, reproached recent events at the Capitol and its inability to engage politically with the company, stating that these policies made racing operations no longer worthwhile financially.
Among the issues pointed out was the Louisiana Supreme Court's March decision affirming a lower court's ruling in 2021 that historical horse racing (HHR) machines were unconstitutional. That court development eliminated a source of revenue from which CDI and the remainder of the industry had been profiting.
Churchill Downs also closed racing on other top-tier tracks, including Illinois' Arlington Park and Florida's Calder. Louisiana Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association president Benard Chatters once again voiced his group's intention to run the entire race meet in upcoming years under these circumstances.
State budget allots funds for transfer of equestrian center to LSU
As part of Louisiana's new $50 billion state budget, Louisiana State University (LSU) was given $3.5 million to purchase the Copper Crowne Equestrian Center of Opelousas.
Senate president Cameron Henry explained that the funding was to keep the center in operation since it was worth the state's horse racing industry. Henry said there were discussions about donating the property to LSU or the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
He further explained that LSU was chosen because it houses both a school of veterinary medicine and agricultural studies, which were more applicable to the center's mission.
LSU VP for external affairs John Walters admitted that while he discussed the matter with Henry, LSU did not request approval and that the university had not requested the arrangement.
