Fair Grounds Unveils Expansive 2026-27 Racing Calendar with 58 Stakes Races
The Louisiana State Racing Commission has given its official endorsement to the comprehensive schedule for Fair Grounds' 2026-27 Thoroughbred racing season. Spanning 70 action-packed days, the meet is set to captivate audiences from November 19 to March 21, with potential for two additional race days. This eagerly anticipated season promises an impressive lineup of 58 stakes races, culminating in the prestigious Louisiana Derby day.
Fair Grounds' 2026-27 Racing Season: A Detailed Overview
The 155th racing season at Fair Grounds is poised to be a landmark event for Thoroughbred enthusiasts. The action kicks off on Thursday, November 19, featuring the John Valene Memorial and Joseph R. Peluso Memorial races. The initial three days will also include six Louisiana-bred stakes, serving as crucial preparatory events for the highly anticipated Louisiana Champions Day.
A major highlight of the calendar is Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26, which will host the Thanksgiving Classic. This is followed by the Pan Zareta on Saturday, November 28, adding to the holiday excitement. Louisiana Champions Day, scheduled for Saturday, December 12, will be a grand spectacle, showcasing seven stakes races exclusively for Louisiana-bred horses. These include the Robby J. Albarado Louisiana Champions Day Classic, Bernard S. Flint Louisiana Champions Day Turf, Patrick Mouton Louisiana Champions Day Ladies Turf, Harold J. Delahoussaye Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile, James “Sweet” Hodges Louisiana Champions Day Sprint, Howard “Murray” Woodward Louisiana Champions Day Ladies Sprint, and Don Stemmans Louisiana Champions Day Lassie.
The Road to the Derby series commences on December 19 with the Gun Runner and Untapable races, sharing the card with the Tenacious and Buddy Diliberto Memorial. January ushers in more excitement with the two divisions of the Louisiana Futurity and the Nelson J. Menard Memorial on January 2. The Bob F. Wright Memorial and Gary P. Palmisano Sr. Stakes are slated for January 9. On January 16, the Road to the Derby day will feature six stakes, headlined by the Lecomte (G3), alongside the Silverbulletday, Louisiana (G3), Duncan F. Kenner, Colonel E.R. Bradley, and Marie G. Krantz Memorial.
February intensifies the competition, starting with the Mardi Gras Stakes on Tuesday, February 9. Saturday, February 13, marks the Louisiana Derby preview day, presenting six stakes, including the Risen Star (G2) and Rachel Alexandra (G2). This program also includes the Mineshaft (G3), Fair Grounds Stakes (G3), Colonel Power, and Albert M. Stall Memorial. Later in the month, Saturday, February 27, will host a six-stakes program featuring the Edward J. Johnston Memorial, Red Camelia, Evelyn Benoit, Murray Valene, Black Gold, and Allen “Black Cat” Lacombe Memorial.
The season culminates on Saturday, March 20, with the eagerly awaited Louisiana Derby day. This premier event will showcase eight stakes, headlined by the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby and Fair Grounds Oaks (G2), along with the New Orleans Classic (G2), Muniz Memorial Classic (G2), Tom Benson Memorial, Costa Rising, Crescent City Derby, and Crescent City Oaks. The closing day, Sunday, March 21, will feature three Louisiana-bred stakes: the Star Guitar, Shantel Lanerie Memorial, and Ova Charged.
First post times will typically be 1:55 p.m. EST, with special 1 p.m. starts on Thanksgiving Day (November 26), Louisiana Champions Day (December 12), Road to the Derby day (January 16), and Louisiana Derby preview day (February 13). Friday races on February 12, February 19, and February 26 will commence at 3 p.m. Additionally, the Kudzu Juvenile, a stakes race dedicated to Alabama-bred 2-year-olds, makes a return to the Fair Grounds schedule on December 11, running concurrently with the Magic City Classic, further enriching the racing program.
The announcement of Fair Grounds' 2026-27 racing schedule is excellent news for horse racing enthusiasts and the broader community. The extensive lineup of stakes races, particularly the focus on Louisiana-bred horses and the significant Derby prep races, underscores the track's commitment to showcasing top talent and fostering local breeding. This comprehensive calendar not only promises thrilling competition but also contributes significantly to the sport's growth and economic impact in the region. The meticulous planning of race days, including special holiday and preview events, ensures that fans will have ample opportunities to engage with and celebrate the rich tradition of Thoroughbred racing.