The 140th 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 the April 18 quarterly meeting of the Louisiana State Racing Commission.
The Thoroughbred Racing Season again starts with the traditional Thanksgiving Day opener 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 Dec. 26. The traditional Mardi Gras Day program marks the only Tuesday card of the season Feb. 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.