Fair Grounds Race Course History

Fair Grounds Race Course was established in 1852 as the Union race Course. In 1857, the racetrack was closed down due to tough competition with the Metairie Course. In 1859, the ground was christened – Carole Race Course; that was again changed to Fair Grounds. The first race took place at the Fair Grounds under patronage of Louisiana Jockey Club in 1872. Colonel Matt Winn arrived in New Orleans for establishing racing dates and other matters in the Louisiana horse industry.

Unfortunately, racing was banned in 1908 that again started in 1915. Though a massive fire burnt down the grandstand in 1919, the track was still in good condition to show character at race meetings. During 1940s, the track was sold to developers for construction of a subdivision. A group of investors saved this ground from destruction in 1941 and racing was resumed for a certain period of time due to World War II.

For better performance, a turf course was installed in 1981 but the renovation work of the grandstand and the clubhouse began in 1994. After that, Churchill Downs Incorporation purchased the track. The ground was closed nearly over a year as the racetrack got heavily damaged in Hurricane Katrina. Fair Grounds Race Course conducted a 37-day meet at Louisiana Downs replacing the scheduled of 2005-2006 meets.