Fair Grounds to Host Inaugural Jockeys Dinner, Awards and Public Meet-and-Greet Benefiting PDJF

By Kevin Kilroy —-

Fair Grounds to Host Inaugural Jockeys Dinner, Awards and Public Meet-and-Greet Benefiting PDJF

NEW ORLEANS (Jan 1, 2026) — Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots will host its inaugural Jockeys Dinner and Awards on Wednesday, Jan. 7, highlighted by a public meet-and-greet with members of the Fair Grounds jockey colony. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockey Fund.

The Jockeys Dinner and Awards will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. CT. in the fourth-floor clubhouse, followed by a meet-and-greet from 7 to 8 p.m. CT. The meet-and-greet is open to the public and offers fans a rare opportunity to interact with the jockeys during the Fair Grounds meet.

The evening will feature the presentation of the newly established Leadership and Sportsmanship Award. Created to honor exceptional leadership within the Fair Grounds jockey colony, the award will recognize a jockey who demonstrates dedication to leadership, sportsmanship and mentorship, earning the admiration and respect of fellow riders.

During the dinner, Fair Grounds will recognize several on-track achievements, including last year’s leading rider, midpoint meet statistics, and apprentice riders, celebrating the future of the sport.

Tickets for the meet-and-greet are $10 and admit two adults. Children ages 12 and under are admitted free. Tickets may be purchased in advance through Ticketmaster or on-site the day of the event. Tickets purchased through Ticketmaster may also be bundled with grandstand general admission for Thursday, Jan. 8, the next live racing day at Fair Grounds.

For ticket information, visit Ticketmaster or purchase tickets on-site on Jan. 7.

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About Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots

Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, one of the nation’s oldest racetracks, has been in operation since 1872. Located in New Orleans, La, Fair Grounds, which is owned by Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN), also operates a slot-machine gaming facility and 13 off-track betting parlors throughout Southeast Louisiana. The 154th Thoroughbred Racing Season–highlighted by the 113th running of the Louisiana Derby–will run from Nov. 20, 2025 through March 22, 2026. More information is available online at www.fgno.com.