New Orleans Fair Grounds
N 29° 59.023 W 090° 04.616
15R E 782030 N 3320578
Sometimes referred to as as the "New Orleans Fair Grounds", the track was initially opened as the "Union Race Course" in 1852. The track closed in 1857 due to competition from the Metairie Course. In 1859 the track was renamed the "Creole Race Course." In 1863, the name was changed again to the "Fair Grounds" and racing was conducted during the Civil War. The track then closed when the Metairie Course reopened after the war. In 1871, the younger members of the Metairie Jockey Club broke away
Waymark Code: WM5J1Z
Location: Louisiana, United States
Date Posted: 01/11/2009
Views: 13
1907, Colonel Matt Winn arrived in New Orleans to establish racing dates and deal with other matters in the Louisiana horse industry. In 1908, racing was banned in New Orleans but returned in 1915. In 1919 a fire burned down the grandstand but the track was still able to conduct a race meeting.
In 1940, legislative sanction was given to racing in Louisiana.The track was then sold to developers for construction of a subdivision. In 1941, a group of investors saved Fair Grounds from destruction. The track resumed racing after World War II.
In 1981 a turf course was installed. In 1990 the track was sold to the Krantz family. In 1993, the grandstand was completely destroyed by a seven alarm fire and racing continued with temporary facilities in place for a couple of years. A new $27 million dollar construction project began in 1994 and the completed grandstand/clubhouse was opened to the public on Thanksgiving Day 1997. The track was purchased by Churchill Downs Incorporated in 2004. Fair Grounds was heavily damaged in Hurricane Katrina, and was closed for over a year, until re-opening on Thanksgiving Day 2006. The track conducted a 37-day meet at Louisiana Downs in replacement of the scheduled 2005-2006 meet.
Both the great race mare Pan Zareta and the winner of the 1924 Kentucky Derby, Black Gold are buried in the infield. It's also here that Tippity Witchet, the beloved son of Broomstick, ran many of his 266 races.
Fair Grounds is the 3rd oldest thoroughbred race meet in the United States, behind Saratoga and Pimlico.
Grandstand main building
[edit] Physical attributes
The track consists of a one mile dirt track and a seven furlong turf oval. In addition to the grandstand and clubhouse, an adjacent building, formerly used for simulcasting, opened on September 21, 2007 as a temporary slot-machine gaming facility until a permanent facility opens in late 2008.
Types of Races: Thoroughbred
Racing Season: From: 11/14/2008 To: 03/29/2009
Year Opened: 11/25/1852
Famous Races:
louisiana handicap
Additional Information: Not listed
Racecourse Web Site: Not listed
|
Visit Instructions:To post a Visit for a waymark in this category, you will need to physically visit the track described in the waymark. If possible a photo of yourself at the track should be included in your log. Feel free to post some photos of the races you attended and of the fine animals you've seen. Did you have a photo taken with a Jockey?
You do not need to enter the track or attend an event to post a visit. However a photo of you outside the track with some racecourse signage is requested.
If you would like, share a story about your visit. Did you bet at the track? How much did you win? How much did you lose?