FAIR GROUNDS KEY DATES TO KNOW: 147th THOROUGHBRED RACING SEASON

By Ryan Martin —-

KEY DATES TO KNOW: 147th THOROUGHBRED RACING SEASON

NEW ORLEANS (November 14, 2018) – The 147th Thoroughbred Racing Season at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots is approaching, with Opening Day scheduled for Thursday, November 15 with a 12:30 p.m. first post.

Below are some key dates throughout the season to help fans and horsemen plan ahead (all times Central).

November 15: Opening Day. First post 12:30 p.m.

November 18: Spirited Sunday featuring $4 Absolut cocktails, available each Sunday throughout the live racing season. First day of Second Harvest Food Drive (runs through Nov. 30) with collection boxes located at Fair Grounds and all Fair Grounds-affiliated OTBs.

November 22: Thanksgiving Day featuring the $75,000 Thanksgiving Handicap. First post 11 a.m.

November 23: Weekend Wine’d Up featuring select $4 glasses of Kung Fu Girl Riesling and The Velvet Devil Merlot in the clubhouse between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. Available each Friday of the live racing season with the exception of Starlight Racing dates.

November 29: Throwback Thursday featuring select $2 Miller Lite can beers and $2 hot dogs, available each Thursday throughout the live racing season with the exception of Thanksgiving Day. Not available at the Grab and Go or DeSaix Deli.

November 30: Starlight Racing presented by Miller Lite, Blue Moon, Absolut, Jameson, Event Producers and B97 featuring The Phunky Monkeys in the clubhouse and Allan Maxwell and Friends in the Miller Lite Beer Garden. First post 5 p.m.

December 8: Louisiana Champions Day presented by Acadian Ambulance Service featuring 11 stakes races worth $1.05 million for Louisiana-breds. LTBA scholarship giveaway. Complimentary clubhouse admission for members of the military with valid identification. First post 12:30 p.m.

December 15: Holiday Family Day Presented by Coca-Cola in the apron tent from Noon – 4pm. First Post is 12:30pm. $5 admission to the tent area with kids 12 and under free. Pictures with Santa and fun for the kids.

December 22: Santa Super Saturday featuring six stakes races worth $450,000. First post 12:30 p.m.

December 28: Starlight Racing presented by Miller Lite, Blue Moon, Absolut, Jameson, Event Producers and B97 with musical guests, The Top Cats performing in the clubhouse. LTBA & Fair Grounds scholarship giveaway. First post 5 p.m.

January 7: Wiener Dog entries open.

January 19: Road to the Derby Kickoff Day presented by Hotel Monteleone, featuring six stakes races worth $700,000 including the Grade III Lecomte Stakes, the Grade III Colonel E. R. Bradley Stakes and the Silverbulletday Stakes. First post 12:30 p.m.

January 26: Exotic Animal Racing Sponsored by Miller Lite. Christian Serpas Duo performing in the Miller Lite Beer Garden. First post 3 p.m.

February 1: Starlight Racing presented by Miller Lite, Blue Moon, Absolut, Jameson, Event Producers and B97 with musical guests The Mixed Nuts, performing in the Clubhouse and John Guidroz in the Miller Lite Beer Garden. First post 5 p.m.

February 16: Louisiana Derby Preview Day presented by Lamarque Ford, featuring six stakes races worth over $1 million including the Grade II Risen Star Stakes presented by Lamarque Ford, the Grade II Rachel Alexandra Stakes, the Grade III Fair Grounds Handicap and the Grade III Mineshaft Handicap. First post 12:30 p.m.

March 5: Mardi Gras Racing featuring the $75,000 Mardi Gras Stakes.

March 9: Wiener Dog Racing presented by Double M Feed Garden & Pet Supply.

March 15: Starlight Racing presented by Miller Lite, Blue Moon, Absolut, Jameson, Event Producers and B97 with musical guests Where Y’acht performing in the clubhouse and Imaginary Frenz in the Miller Lite Beer Garden. First post 5 p.m.

March 23: Louisiana Derby Day presented by Twinspires.com featuring eight stakes worth $2.38 million including the Grade II Twinspires.com Louisiana Derby, the Grade II Fair Grounds Oaks, the Grade II New Orleans Handicap and the Grade II Muniz Memorial Handicap. First post 12:30 p.m.

March 24: Closing Day featuring the $60,000 Star Guitar Stakes.