Emergency Meeting Signals Uncertain Future for Fair Grounds Racecourse
New Orleans — A critical emergency meeting is set for Tuesday between the owners of the Fair Grounds Racecourse and Slots and the Louisiana Racing Commission, hinting at a precarious future for the historic New Orleans venue. The discussions arise after Churchill Downs Inc., the Louisville-based operator, threatened to relinquish its horse racing and video poker licenses. The company’s concerns are tied to a state restriction on historical horse racing machines, which are classified as illegal gaming under Louisiana’s Constitution without voter approval.
To protect the Fair Grounds, recent legislative action in Louisiana designated the site as a historical landmark. Additionally, the New Orleans City Council has implemented a temporary ban on uses for the property beyond racing and traditional events. The Fair Grounds is one of the oldest active racetracks in the U.S., and State Rep. Matthew Willard has advocated for cooperation to preserve its racing operations.
As talks unfold, the future of this iconic racetrack hangs in the balance, leaving stakeholders and racing enthusiasts anxious about its viability. Stay tuned for updates as the situation develops.
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