News Release: Fair Grounds Announces 2011-2012 Live Racing Dates

1751 Gentilly Blvd.,   New Orleans, LA 70119   www.fairgroundsracecourse.com

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Contact: Jim Mulvihill, Communications and Pari-Mutuel Marketing Manager, 504.948.1233, james.mulvihill@fgno.com

 

140^th thoroughbred season to open thanksgiving day

 

LSRC Approves 84-Day Meet, Nov. 24 to April 1; Wednesday Racing Replaces Mondays

 

2011 Quarter Horse Meet Expanded to 12 Days in September

 

NEW ORLEANS (Wednesday, April 20, 2011) – The 140^th Thoroughbred Racing Season at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots will encompass 84 live racing days, from Nov. 24, 2011 to April 1, 2012. In addition, Fair Grounds will expand its upcoming Summer Quarter Horse Meet to 12 live racing days over three weeks, Wednesdays to Saturdays, Sept. 7-24, 2011. The dates were approved at Monday’s quarterly meeting of the Louisiana State Racing Commission. 

 

The Thoroughbred Racing Season again starts with the traditional Thanksgiving Day opener on Nov. 24. Racing will be conducted five days per week (except holiday weeks), Wednesdays to Sundays, in December and January. In February racing goes to four days per week, Thursdays to Sundays, for the remainder of the season.

 

There will be no live racing on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) or Christmas Day (Dec. 25) but those dark days will be followed by the season’s only Monday card on Dec. 26. The traditional Mardi Gras Day program marks the only Tuesday card of the season on February 21, 2012.

 

Closing weekend will coincide with the 2012 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four, March 31 and April 2, in New Orleans.

 

Reservations for Grandstand Box Seats, Clubhouse Box Seats and Clubhouse Dining throughout the Thoroughbred meet will be available beginning this fall on a date to be announced. Groups of 25 or more can book their special events now by calling the Fair Grounds Group Sales hotline at (504) 948-1285.

 

About Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots

Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, the nation’s third-oldest racetrack, has been in operation since 1872. Located in New Orleans, Fair Grounds is owned by Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN); it also operates a slot-machine gaming facility and 10 off-track betting parlors throughout southeast Louisiana. The fourth Summer Quarter Horse Meet will be held Sept. 7-24, 2011, and the 140^th Thoroughbred Racing Season will run Nov. 24, 2011 to April 1, 2012, highlighted by the $1 million Louisiana Derby. More information about Fair Grounds can be found online at www.FairGroundsRaceCourse.com.

                                                                                                                   

-FG-

 

 

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James J. Mulvihill
Communications & Pari-Mutuel Marketing Manager
Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots
A Churchill Downs Incorporated Company

1751 Gentilly Boulevard, New Orleans, LA  70119

504.948.1233 [office]
504.481.8770 [cell]
504.944.7853 [fax]

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival - April 29-May 1, May 5-8

 

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