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Fair Grounds Race course 2025-26 Meet Secured After Agreement
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New Orleans’ Fair Grounds Race Course is set to proceed with its 2025-26 meet, scheduled from November 22 to March 23, following the resolution of a dispute that threatened its operation. The agreement, reached on Monday, June 16, averts a potential shutdown of the historic racetrack. The core issue revolved around the legality of Historical Horse racing (HHR) machines and their impact on revenue.
Agreement Reached to Save Fair Grounds Meet
Churchill Downs Inc. (CDI),the owner of fair Grounds,had warned of a possible closure after the Louisiana Supreme Court invalidated the statute legalizing HHR machines at off-track betting (OTB) parlors. CDI officials stated that eliminating HHR machines would cut 46% of OTB parlor revenue. Concerns were also raised about new state laws expanding poker machines at truck stops and bars. These financial pressures led CDI to consider surrendering its racing license.
however, a compromise was reached between horsemen and CDI, ensuring the meet will take place. While the specific details of the agreement remain undisclosed, key figures have expressed optimism. tonya Abeln, a CDI spokesperson, acknowledged “productive conversations” with Louisiana Governor jeff Landry and Senate President Cameron Henry. Michelle Rodriguez, an owner-breeder on the Louisiana HBPA Board, indicated that the meet’s dates would be similar to the previous year, pending formal approval at a June 24 emergency meeting of the Racing Commission.
Did You Know? the Fair Grounds is the third-oldest racetrack in the United States, with racing dating back to 1838.
Government Intervention and future security
Contributing to CDI’s change in stance was recent action by the New Orleans City Council and state lawmakers.The City Council established an interim zoning district to ensure the Fair Grounds property remains a racetrack. Furthermore, state legislation was passed designating the Fair Grounds as a historic site, requiring legislative approval for significant changes, such as ceasing horse racing. These measures effectively prevent the property from being redeveloped for other purposes.
Benard Chatters, president of the Louisiana HBPA, noted that while there would be a slight decrease in purses, creative solutions would be explored to maintain competitive racing. The agreement is expected to be formalized at the Louisiana Racing Commission’s emergency meeting on June 24.
Pro Tip: Stay updated on the Louisiana Racing Commission’s decisions for the latest information on purse adjustments and race schedules.
Impact of Historical Horse Racing Machines
The dispute highlights the growing importance of choice gaming revenue streams for racetracks. Historical Horse Racing machines, which allow players to bet on previously run races, have become a significant source of income for many tracks. The legal challenges to these machines in Louisiana underscore the ongoing debate surrounding their legality and regulation across different states.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Meet Start Date | November 22, 2025 |
| Meet End Date | March 23, 2026 |
| Louisiana Racing Commission Emergency Meeting | June 24, 2025 |
The Future of Horse Racing in Louisiana
The resolution of this dispute provides a degree of stability for the horse racing industry in Louisiana. However, the long-term future will likely depend on continued collaboration between racetracks, horsemen, and state lawmakers to address the challenges posed by evolving gaming regulations and competition from other forms of entertainment.
What impact will the resolution of the HHR dispute have on