News Release: 100th Louisiana Derby Set for March 30, 2013

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

 

 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:

100^TH LOUISIANA DERBY SET FOR MARCH 30, 2013

 

NEW ORLEANS (Friday, April 6, 2012) – The 100^th Louisiana Derby will be run on March 30, 2013, five weeks out from the 139^th Kentucky Derby, officials at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots announced today.

 

The $1 million race will return to a Saturday date after being run on Sunday this year. The 2011 Louisiana Derby, won by 109-1 longshot Hero of Order, was situated on the off day during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four hosted in New Orleans.

 

“The centennial Louisiana Derby will be one to remember,” said Fair Grounds President Tim Bryant. “We have already started talking about fun ways to mark the special occasion and we look forward to welcoming back another record crowd next year.”

 

Buoyed by out-of-state visitors from Kentucky in town for the basketball games, Fair Grounds had one of its largest crowds in the post-Katrina era for Sunday’s Louisiana Derby Day program. While the track does not release final attendance and handle figures, officials said on-track wagering was up about 33% over the prior Louisiana Derby Day.

 

Fair Grounds will announce its 2012-203 Thoroughbred racing dates after receiving formal approval at the next Louisiana State Racing Commission meeting on April 23.

 

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 runs August 15 through September 1. The 141^st Thoroughbred Racing Season runs Thanksgiving Day, November 22, through the end of March 2013, highlighted by the $1 million Louisiana Derby for Kentucky Derby hopefuls. More information 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]

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