1751 Gentilly Blvd.,
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jim Mulvihill, Communications and Pari-Mutuel Marketing Manager, 504.948.1233, james.mulvihill@fgno.com
fg set to open 141st thoroughbred season thanksgiving day;
meet culminates with 100th louisiana derby
NEW ORLEANS (Monday, November 12, 2012) – Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots will once again renew a beloved New Orleans tradition dating back to 1898 when the 141st Thoroughbred Racing Season opens on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22. First post (the first race of the day) for the 10-race holiday program is 11 a.m. CST.
Fair Grounds is generally accepted to be the third-oldest racetrack in the country, although many accounts, including a heavily researched 2006 feature in The Times-Picayune by Bob Fortus, contend that Fair Grounds could be at least the second-oldest, if not the oldest. The year of the first Fair Grounds meet has long been reported as 1872, but historians have found mentions of Fair Grounds racing in newspapers as early as 1865. There is also primary-source evidence that meets were conducted under other auspices – including the Union Course and Creole Course – at the juncture of Gentilly Boulevard and
While live racing at Fair Grounds dates back at least 141 years, the tradition of Thanksgiving Day racing is “only” 114 years old.
General admission on Thanksgiving Day is free, as it is for most of the 84-day season, which continues with live racing at least four days per week through March 31. The meet is highlighted by the milestone 100th running of Fair Grounds’ signature race, the $1 million Louisiana Derby, on March 30.
Opening Weekend
The 10-race card on Opening Day Presented by East Jefferson General Hospital features the 87th running of the Thanksgiving Handicap. The six-furlong sprint for the fastest older horses on the grounds carries a six-figure purse of $100,000 for the first time ever. First post is earlier than usual, at 11 a.m. CST. Grandstand General Admission is free and Clubhouse General Admission is $10.
The traditional Thanksgiving buffet in the Clubhouse Dining Room starts at $65/person for tables of four or six with the most enviable tables going for up to $125/person. New options this year include four exclusive premium tables with the best views in the house – right by the finish line in the Clubhouse’s front row – for $1,300 (President’s Table for four) to $2,500 (Chairman’s Table for six) per table. The VIP tables include Thanksgiving buffet, champagne, bar tab, tax and gratuity, a visit to the announcer’s booth to watch John G. Dooley call a race, a visit to the paddock for a race preview with Katie Mikolay and a trophy presentation.
Arrive early on Opening Day to catch the national anthem performed by Covington OTB Manager Theora Hunt with a colors presentation by the New Orleans Police Department’s mounted patrol.
Thanksgiving Day seating is limited and reservations are required. Reservations can only be made by phone weekdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at (504) 943-2200.
If family commitments preclude you from making it out on Opening Day, keep in mind that the scene is just as lively the rest of Opening Weekend. The day after Thanksgiving always draws large crowds, especially families. Two $75,000 stakes for 3-year-olds on turf – the Woodchopper Stakes on Friday and the Pago Hop for fillies on Saturday – highlight the racing action. First post Nov. 23- 25 (Friday to Sunday) is 12:40 p.m.
Major Stakes Days
The majority of Fair Grounds stakes races are run on five banner days, two of which are in the early weeks of the season.
Louisiana Champions Day Presented by Acadian Ambulance Service on Dec. 8 is comprised of 11 stakes for Louisiana-breds worth $1.1 million. The first 3,000 fans on Louisiana Champions Day will receive a free poster picturing Star Guitar, the five-time Louisiana Champions Day winner and all-time Louisiana-bred earnings leader retired this year. Star Guitar’s owner, Evelyn Benoit, and trainer, Al Stall Jr., will autograph the posters in exchange for a donation to the Louisiana Horse Rescue Association.
Santa Super Saturday Presented by Lee Tractor Co & Kubota Tractors on Dec. 22 includes three open-company stakes topping a super-sized 12-race card. A family holiday celebration will feature live reindeer and Santa Claus.
Later in the meet, all of Fair Grounds’ 10 graded stakes (the most important races in the sport) appear on three days when
Road to the Derby Kickoff Day Presented by Hotel Monteleone on Jan. 19 features five stakes worth $625,000, including the $200,000 Lecomte (GIII), the first in Fair Grounds’ three-race series for 3-year-old
A new points-based qualifying system for the Kentucky Derby in effect for 2013 includes the Louisiana Derby in the highest tier of prep races for the world’s most famous horse race. Under the new rules, 3-year-old Thoroughbreds will earn their way to the Kentucky Derby by earning points in select stakes. The $1 million Louisiana Derby (GII), the signature event at Fair Grounds, is one of only seven races that will offer the maximum 170 points (100 for first, 40 for second, 20 for third, 10 for fourth).
Only 36 stakes overall, including two run overseas, are part of the new “Road to the Kentucky Derby” point system. Of those, only 17 of the most important are part of the “Kentucky Derby Championship Series.”
The first two stakes in Fair Grounds’ three-race graded stakes series for 3-year-olds also carry significant points. The Risen Star (GII), which joins the Louisiana Derby as part of the Championship Series, will offer 85 points (50-20-10-5) and the Lecomte (GIII) will be worth a total of 17 points (10-4-2-1).
A similar point system is being used for 3-year-old fillies aspiring to the $1 million Kentucky Oaks. All three of Fair Grounds’ major route stakes for 3-year-old fillies are included in the new “Road to the Kentucky Oaks.” The Fair Grounds Oaks (GII) will be one of the premier 170-point (100-40-20-10) stakes, the Rachel Alexandra (GIII) will be worth 85 points (50-20-10-5) and the Silverbulletday will offer 17 points (10-4-2-1).
The milestone 100th Louisiana Derby Day will be the richest afternoon of racing in
First post on Louisiana Derby Day is 2 p.m., later than usual in order to accommodate that morning’s
More Stakes Races
The Fair Grounds stakes schedule is among the richest and most diverse of any winter racing destination, with 56 stakes cumulatively worth $7,435,000, an average of more than $132,000 per race. Ten of the stakes were graded last season – five Grade II and five Grade III. The 2013 gradings will be released in December. To view the complete Fair Grounds stakes schedule visit www.FairGroundsRaceCourse.com/Horsemen.
Name the Stakes Race
Fair Grounds is asking fans for help naming a race that is new to the 2012-2013 stakes schedule. The winner of the “Name the Stakes Race” contest will present the trophy to the winning connections after the inaugural running and enjoy lunch for four in the Clubhouse, a replica of the trophy and a $100 win bet.
Fans can enter electronically by e-mail (send your suggestion to namethestakesrace@fgno.com), Facebook (post your suggestion at Facebook.com/FairGroundsRaceCourseandSlots under the Nov. 5 “Name the Stakes Race” status update) or Twitter (tweet your suggestion by mentioning @FairGroundsNOLA) or enter in person in the Clubhouse/Valet Lobby throughout Opening Weekend, Nov. 22-25.
Starlight Racing
The popular Starlight Racing series with music, food trucks, drink specials and racing under the lights has been expanded to seven dates this season. For one price, guests can choose between two upscale party scenes – a club atmosphere with DJs and Starlight Dancers in the
Fair Grounds recently announced the dates and artists for this season’s Starlight Racing series: Dec. 28 (live music by Category 6 in the Clubhouse, DJ Soul Sister in the trackside tent), Jan. 18 (Chee Weez, DJ San-D), Feb. 1 (Karma, DJ Jubilee), Feb. 22 (Groovy 7, DJ Jive), March 1 (The Mixed Nuts, DVDJ Crush), March 8 (Bucktown All-Stars, DJ Digital) and March 15 (Topcats, DJ Kemistry).
Scholarship Giveaways
Full-time students enrolled at an accredited institution of higher learning are eligible to win one of six $1,000 scholarships to be given away on two dates in December. The first three scholarships will be raffled off on Louisiana Champions Day, Dec. 8 (register inside the first-floor entrances before the first race), while the other three will be given away at the first Starlight Racing on Dec. 28 (register inside the first-floor entrances anytime throughout the evening and receive free trackside tent admission if you’re a student 21 or over). The scholarships are sponsored in part by the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association.
Jockeys: Rosie Leads Typically Deep Colony
Two-time defending riding champion Rosie Napravnik, who finished last season with 111 wins, has only added to her growing resume since the end of last meet. In May she became the first female rider to win the prestigious Kentucky Oaks aboard Fair Grounds Oaks heroine Believe You
The top seven jockeys in last meet’s standings are expected back this year. Beyond Napravnik, in order of their 2011-2012 finish, the list includes: James Graham, a clear second in the Arlington Park standings this past summer and tied for third at Keeneland in the fall; Miguel Mena, who tied for fifth at the Churchill Downs Spring Meet; Shaun Bridgmohan, second at the Churchill Spring Meet and tied for third with Graham at Keeneland; C.J. McMahon, last meet’s teen apprentice sensation now firmly established on the Louisiana circuit; Richard Eramia, runaway leader at Louisiana Downs over the summer; and Shane Sellers, the Louisiana-born legend with more than 4,300 career wins, including several Grade I events.
New to Fair Grounds this season are two riders with more than 1,000 career wins apiece. David Cohen, a
Trainers: Fresh Faces Join Nationally Prominent Fair Grounds Veterans
Nationally prominent regulars like Steve Asmussen, Larry Jones, Bret Calhoun, Tom Amoss, Al Stall Jr., Mike Maker, Mike Stidham, Neil Howard and Steve Margolis will be joined this year by a handful of quality horsemen who are either new to Fair Grounds or are returning after an extended absence.
Others new notables include Joe Woodard, seventh in the nation in 2011 with 204 wins and seventh this year (through Tuesday) with 161; Hugh McMahon, an ex-jockey and former assistant to Scott Lake in the midst of a career year with 128 wins, 14th in the nation, and more than $2.5 million in earnings through Tuesday; Eric Reed, a Kentucky native who is in the Top 100 in the nation by wins with 63 through Tuesday; Garry Simms, winner of the past two runnings of the Debutante (GIII) at Churchill Downs (Blueeyesintherein, 2012, and Flashy Lassie, 2011) while recovering from bone cancer; and Gary Thomas, who has trained throughout the country since 1976 and saddled Rampage to a fourth-place finish in the 1986 Kentucky Derby.
Six of the top 15 trainers in the nation by wins – Asmussen (leading the nation with 238 wins through Wednesday), Woodard (seventh, 162), Calhoun (tied 10th, 133), Maker (12th, 132), McMahon (13th, 131) and Amoss (tied 15th, 123) – will have a winter base at Fair Grounds.
New 50-Cent Minimums on Trifectas, Pick Threes and Super Hi-5
Beginning Thanksgiving Day, Fair Grounds will offer 50-cent minimums on Trifecta, Pick Three and Super Hi-5 wagers to go with the existing 50-cent minimums on the Pick Four and Black Gold 5.
Also starting Opening Day, the Black Gold 5 will be offered on the final five races daily. The Black Gold 5 is a jackpot Pick 5 carryover wager requiring the bettor to hold the lone successful ticket with the winners of five consecutive races. On cards when there is no single-ticket winner, half of the pool will be paid as consolation to tickets with the most correct and half of the pool will go to the carryover.
“Beat the Champs” NHC Qualifier
Three berths to
The “Beat the Champs” NHC Qualifier is a “real money” handicapping contest. Players put up a $300 entry fee plus a $150 live money bankroll. The top three finishers receive automatic berths to the $1.5 million DRF/NTRA National Handicapping Championship, Jan. 25-26, at Treasure Island Las Vegas. If “Beat the Champs” attracts 50 or more entries, every player who finishes ahead of both Beychok and Wagner will receive an equal share of a cash prize pool that could climb as high as $20,000.
Entry form and complete rules for the “Beat the Champs” NHC Qualifier can be accessed online at www.FairGroundsRaceCourse.com/Tournaments.
Free Online Handicapping Contest
Fair Grounds is partnering with Derby Wars, the handicapping tournament website, to present a series of free online handicapping tournaments at FairGroundsRaceCourse.com starting in January. More details will be announced in coming weeks.
Brisnet.com Early Pick Four
Fans can get free Ultimate Past Performances for each Early Pick Four at Fair Grounds courtesy of Brisnet.com, the Internet’s largest horseracing
Handicapping Seminars
Free “No Favorites Allowed” handicapping seminars for bettors of all skill levels will be held Saturdays beginning 40 minutes prior to first post. Moderator Jim Mulvihill and guest handicappers will analyze the day’s card and offer race-by-race selections with an emphasis on horses that offer value. Guest handicappers will be forbidden from picking the morning line favorite in any race.
Post Times and Admission
First post is 12:40 p.m. daily, except Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 22, 11 a.m.); Starlight Racing (Dec. 28; Jan. 18; Feb. 1 and 22; March 1, 8 and 15; 5 p.m.), Major Stakes Days (Dec. 8; Jan. 19; Feb. 23; 12:10 p.m.) and Louisiana Derby Day (March 30, 2 p.m.).
Free Grandstand General Admission and $10 Clubhouse General Admission daily, except Starlight Racing (Dec. 28; Jan. 18; Feb. 1 and 22; March 1, 8 and 15; $5 Grandstand/$10 Clubhouse and trackside tent) and Graded Stakes Days (Jan. 19; Feb. 23; March 30; $5 Grandstand/$10 Clubhouse). Louisiana Derby festival details and admission pricing to be announced.
Reservations
Clubhouse dining and box seat reservations are now being accepted (except for Louisiana Derby Day, which opens Jan. 4). Call (504) 943-2200 (reservation line open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., until Thanksgiving Day; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on live racing days while in season).
More Information
For more details about the 141st Thoroughbred Racing Season at Fair Grounds, visit us online at www.FairGroundsRaceCourse.com. A plethora of historical racing
Social Media
Like Fair Grounds on Facebook: facebook.com/FairGroundsRaceCourseandSlots
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Follow Fair Grounds on Twitter: twitter.com/FairGroundsNOLA
Follow the Fair Grounds Press Office on Twitter: twitter.com/FGPressBox
Watch Fair Grounds video on YouTube: youtube.com/fairgroundsvideo
Follow Fair Grounds on Tumblr: fairgroundsracecourse.tumblr.com
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
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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,
504.948.1233 [office]
504.481.8770 [cell]
141st Thoroughbred Racing Season Opens Nov. 22
100th
www.FairGroundsRaceCourse.com/Media
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