Friday, March 23, 2012

News Release: Fair Grounds to Offer 18-Race Card March 30

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

Contact: Graham Ross, Staff Writer, 504.948.1255, graham.ross@fgno.com

 

big closing weekend gets even bigger:

fair grounds to offer 18-race card march 30

 

·        First Post at 12:40 p.m., Starlight Racing at 5 p.m.

 

NEW ORLEANS (Friday, March 23, 2012) – To make up for races cancelled due to heavy rains Thursday, Fair Grounds announced today it will expand the March 30 racing program to include a record 18 live Thoroughbred races, with first post at 12:40 p.m. The Starlight Racing events on that date – a college sports-themed party with music by Groovy 7 and DJ Kemistry – will begin as originally scheduled at 5 p.m. and the Starlight party will carry on in the Clubhouse until 11 p.m.

 

Standard admission prices – free Grandstand General Admission and $7 Clubhouse General Admission – will be in effect during the early afternoon races, until 3:30 p.m. The Starlight Racing pricing – $5 Grandstand General Admission and $10 Clubhouse/Miller Lite Beer Garden admission – will be charged for the rest of the afternoon and evening.

 

Clubhouse dining will not be available during the afternoon, as the staff will be busy preparing for Starlight Racing. Reservations for Clubhouse dining during Starlight Racing are sold out. Concession stands will be open throughout the day.

 

Thursday’s 10-race program at Fair Grounds was cancelled due to torrential rain, necessitating the makeup races.

 

The prodigious March 30 card will kick off a historic Closing Weekend, with 11 stakes to be run. Fair Grounds Oaks Day with the Susan G. Komen “Pink Out” on March 31 will feature four stakes restricted to fillies and mares, while Louisiana Derby Day with the annual “Fillies, Fashion & Fizz” party on April 1 will feature seven stakes, including three Grade II events, topped by the $1 million Louisiana Derby.

 

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 140th Thoroughbred Racing Season continues through April 1, 2012, highlighted by the $1 million Louisiana Derby for Kentucky Derby hopefuls on April 1. More information can be found online at www.FairGroundsRaceCourse.com.

 

-FG-

 

 

___ 
 
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]

Starlight Racing with Groovy 7 March 30

Fair Grounds Oaks/Susan G. Komen "Pink Out" March 31
Louisiana Derby Day/Fillies, Fashion & Fizz/Closing Day April 1

www.FairGroundsRaceCourse.com/Media

 

 



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