Horse racing is a globally popular sport that is broadcast all around the world. But sometimes, it is very difficult for horse racing fans to find a reliable broadcast of such events.
New Orleans is a place where there are plenty of horse racing fans, and some of them don’t know where to watch some of the biggest races in the sport. Horse racing is a tradition here since 1837, so it is a big deal. New Orleans is also home to the Fair Grounds Racecourse, which, surprisingly, is America’s third-oldest track.
So, this is a place with a long history of horse racing, which explains why there are so many people eager to watch these races.
Whether you are a hard-core bettor wanting to get in on the action or just a casual fan who is in love with the sport, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of the best ways to watch horse racing in New Orleans.
Fair Grounds Race Course
Obviously, the best experience to get is to watch a live horse race at Fair Grounds Race Course. This is a race course that has operated since 1872 and hosts many thoroughbred races every year.
The racing season starts from November and lasts up until March 30, with many races held here daily. One of the biggest events here is the Louisiana Derby, which may be only a Grade II race, but it has a massive $1 million prize purse.
This is the best and only place to watch horse-racing live-in person in New Orleans
How to get there: Located 3 miles north of the French Quarter in Mid-City, Fair Grounds is a 10-minute drive or $15 rideshare from downtown. Public transit (MTA bus #57, $2/ride) is reliable but crowded on race days. Parking is limited (1,000 spots for 10,000+ fans), so arrive early or use Uber.
Streaming and TV
But if you prefer to skip the local events and watch some big horse racing events like the Preakness Stakes or the Belmont Stakes, then you need to find a reliable broadcast.
There are two options here: you can either watch a race on your cable TV (only if it has a sporting channel that broadcasts the race) or go for a live streaming provider.
Both of them are easy to set up; you just have to do a bit of digging to find out which channel will broadcast your favorite race that you want to watch. Most major races are broadcast on channels like NBC, Fox Sports, or Peacock. So, check if your cable TV plan has these channels.
If you don’t have a cable TV, your next best option is to go for online streaming services like YouTubeTV, fuboTV, or even Hulu + Live TV. All of these streaming services cover some of the best sporting channels that usually cover major horse racing events from all around the world.
Lastly, you can go with a niche choice like TVG streams, which cover only horse racing events, or you can go to TwinSpires if you are just interested in the Belmont Stakes race results, for example.
The good thing with live streaming services like YouTubeTV and fuboTV is that you also get access to other channels like movies, news, entertainment, documentaries and etc., so it is not only horse racing.
Off-Track Betting (OTB) Sites
Can’t make it to Fair Grounds? New Orleans’ off-track betting spots let you watch and wager on races from Fair Grounds and beyond, like Churchill Downs or Del Mar. The Louisiana Racing Commission oversees several OTBs, including LaPlace Airline Motors OTB & Casino (30 miles from NOLA) and others closer to Mid-City.
These venues offer simulcast screens, video poker, and casual dining, with a focus on Fair Grounds races during the season.
OTBs are low-key, perfect for bettors who want the action without track crowds. LaPlace Airline Motors, for example, boasts state-of-the-art screens and a bar, ideal for sipping a beer while cheering your pick.
They’re open year-round, unlike Fair Grounds’ seasonal run, and simulcast major races like the 2025 Kentucky Derby (May 3).
No entry fee but expect $10-$20 for food/drinks and bets starting at $2. Set a $20 betting cap and stick to bar snacks ($5-$8) to avoid overspending—track your bets with apps like TwinSpires, which offers a $200 bonus for new users.
Final Words
So, the best way to watch horse racing in New Orleans is through a cable TV. That way, you don’t need to set up anything; you just find the right channel and watch the race. On the other hand, streaming services might be a little bit of a struggle to set up, but you can watch races on the go, even if you travel (within the U.S.).
Pro tip – make sure you set up your broadcast a few days before the event, since things can go wrong, and you can end up missing the race.
