Golden Tempo’s historic 2025-26 season sets the stage for another exciting year of racing in New Orleans
The Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots (Fair Grounds), the nation’s second-oldest operating racetrack and premier racetrack in Louisiana, announced today that it will kick off its 155th Thoroughbred Racing Season on Thursday, November 19, bringing live racing, special events and entertainment to New Orleans through Sunday, March 21, 2027.
The upcoming season follows a historic 2025-26 campaign highlighted by Golden Tempo, who captured all of his qualifying points at Fair Grounds last winter to earn a spot in the Kentucky Derby. His remarkable season helped shine a national spotlight on Fair Grounds and set the stage for another exciting year featuring top horses, jockeys and trainers from across the country.
The 2026-27 racing season will feature a mix of returning fan favorites and new events, including the Thanksgiving Classic (Nov. 26), Louisiana Champions Day (Dec. 12), Exotic Animal Races (Jan. 30) and the inaugural Fair Grounds Neighborhood Family Picnic Day (Jan. 2).
Thanksgiving Classic tickets are on sale now at www.fairgroundsracecourse.com. Tickets for additional racing dates — including free Grandstand access and additional paid options — as well as special events starting at just $10, will go on sale Friday, September 4, at 10 a.m. CT.
In addition to a full calendar of racing and special events, Fair Grounds will unveil several venue enhancements when the 155th season begins, designed to elevate the guest and racing experience:
- Refreshed Black Gold Room: Located on the second floor of the Derby Building, the Black Gold Room features a more polished, upscale look, providing guests with a private setting to relax and enjoy the races.
- Renovated Slot Floor: Guests can see a modernized slot floor featuring updated carpeting, a refreshed color scheme and new paint, along with brand-new restrooms and more than 80 new slot machines.
- Updated Pan Zareta Room: The Pan Zareta Room received a fresh, modern look with new paint and carpeting. The space is ideal for groups looking to be close to the action, just steps from the Grandstand and Louisiana Derby Bar.
“We are thrilled to welcome local faces, out-of-town visitors, and the sport’s top trainers and jockeys to experience the newly enhanced Fair Grounds for our 155th racing season,” said Cathy Beeding, President and General Manager of Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. “Golden Tempo’s incredible season last year was a tremendous moment for Fair Grounds and our racing fans, and we’re excited to build on that momentum as we welcome a new season of racing.”
“These enhancements are a true reflection of our ongoing commitment to providing our guests, horsemen and racing fans with the best experience possible,” Beeding added. “We look forward to showcasing these improvements alongside an exciting lineup of racing, events and entertainment throughout the season.”
This racing season’s programming features an exciting mix of racing, entertainment, family activities, community celebrations, and unique experiences for guests of all ages. Highlights include:
- November 21 (12:55 p.m.) – Jambalaya Jamboree Cook-Off *New*: New this season, opening weekend kicks off with a flavorful competition featuring teams battling for cash, bragging rights and the title of Jambalaya Jamboree champion.
- November 26 (12 pm) Thanksgiving at the Fair Grounds (<– tickets now available): Celebrate Thanksgiving with a full day of racing, dining and fun for the whole krewe. Guests can enjoy all-inclusive culinary offerings in the Clubhouse and Black Gold Dining, plus two new locations — the Apron Tent and Sports Lounge — while taking in the 102nd running of the Thanksgiving Classic.
- November 27 (12:55 p.m.) – Deck the Stalls Black Friday Pop-Up Shops: Shop local and regional vendors while enjoying a day of racing at the Fair Grounds.
- November 28, December 26, February 11 (12:55 p.m.) – Junior Jockey Days *New*: Racing fans age 12 and under are invited to join the free Junior Jockey Club and enjoy fun activities designed especially for our youngest racing fans.
- December 4 – Bourbon, Beers & Betting *New*: After the races, guests age 21 and older can head to the paddock for an evening of adult beverages and horseracing education featuring members of the Fair Grounds racing community.
- December 5 (12:55 p.m.) – First Responder Day: Area and regional first responders are invited to enjoy a special day at the races in their honor, featuring drawings, races named in recognition of first responders and special guest appearances.
- December 12 (12 p.m.) – Louisiana Champions Day & Salute the Military Day: One of the premier racing days of the season showcases the best Louisiana-bred horses with a 10-race card featuring seven stakes races across a variety of divisions and distances on both dirt and turf. Several college scholarships will also be awarded through random drawings to eligible Louisiana college and university students. The day will also honor military members and their families.
- December 19 (12:55 p.m.) – Road to the Derby Kickoff Day: The road to the spring classics begins at Fair Grounds with eight stakes races featuring top 3-year-old colts and fillies and a first look at potential future champions.
- January 1 (12:55 p.m.) – $20.27 Day: Ring in the New Year at the Fair Grounds with special Grandstand packages featuring food, drinks, discounts and slot offers for just $20.27.
- January 2 (12:55 p.m.) – Thoroughbred Aftercare Day: Celebrate the equine athletes who give their all on the track and learn more about their lives after racing. The day will feature representatives from New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, along with drawings and autograph opportunities with legendary jockey Rosie Napravnik.
- January 3 (12:55 p.m.) – Fair Grounds Neighborhood Family Picnic Day *New*: Neighbors and friends of the Fair Grounds are invited to pack a picnic and join us for our first-ever community day. The first 100 guests will receive a complimentary commemorative shirt.
- January 8-10 (12:55 p.m.) – Fair Grounds Fan Giveaway Days: The first 100 guests to enter each day will receive exclusive Fair Grounds fan gear featuring merchandise not available for purchase elsewhere.
- January 16 (12 p.m.) – Road to the Derby Day: One of the most anticipated days on the winter racing calendar features six major races showcasing some of the nation’s most promising 3-year-olds as they continue their journey toward the spring classics.
- January 18 – Dawn at the Track: Experience Fair Grounds from a different perspective as the gates open early for fans to watch morning training sessions as the equine athletes prepare for the day’s racing. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
- January 21 – Jockey Meet & Greet/Fundraiser: Fans will have the opportunity to meet and interact with members of the Fair Grounds jockey colony at this off-site fundraising event benefiting the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund.
- January 30 (12:55 p.m.) – Exotic Animal Races & College Day: This popular event brings together college students, families and racing fans for an entertaining day featuring exotic animal races with camels, ostriches and zonkeys — a zebra/donkey hybrid.
- February 4-5 (12:55 p.m.) – Dollar Days: Guests can enjoy special food and drink offers throughout the day for just $1 or $1 off.
- February 12, 19 & 26 (3 p.m.) – Twilight Racing Series: Friday night racing returns with three unique themed evenings featuring music, entertainment and racing. Themes include Racing with Rosé, Clash of the Colleges and Salsa Night.
- February 13 (12 p.m.) – Louisiana Derby Preview Day & Breast Cancer Event: Celebrate Valentine’s weekend with an exciting afternoon of racing featuring two of the season’s most anticipated prep races for the spring classics, along with a special on-site event supporting breast cancer awareness.
- February 20 (12:55 p.m.) – Corgi Dog Races *New*: It’s a royal day at the Fair Grounds as purebred Corgis compete in a 30-yard dash for a share of $1,000 in cash and prizes. Fans are encouraged to dress in their royal best in honor of the Queen’s favorite canine breed.
- February 27 (12:55 p.m.) – Krewes & Brews *New*: Celebrate the riding and marching krewes that make Mardi Gras possible. Qualifying krewes will have the opportunity to raise funds through ticket sales while enjoying a day at the races.
- March 6 (12:55 p.m.) – Wiener Dog Races: Purebred Dachshunds take to the track for a 30-yard dash and a chance to win a share of $1,000 in cash and prizes.
- March 12 (3 p.m.) – Senior Day: Guests age 55 and older can enjoy special pricing on food and specialty packages.
- March 13 (12:55 p.m.) – Jazz Fest Day *New*: With the countdown to New Orleans’ favorite festival underway, Fair Grounds will celebrate the food, culture and music of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival with a dedicated race day.
- March 20 (12 p.m.) – Louisiana Derby Day: The premier racing day in Louisiana culminates with the $1 million Louisiana Derby. The day will bring together some of the sport’s top horses, jockeys, trainers and owners for an unforgettable day of racing.
- March 21 (12:55 p.m.) – Awards & Closing Day: The 155th racing season comes to a close with the presentation of season-ending awards honoring the Winningest Jockey, Trainer and Owner.
The 155th racing season will run November 19, 2026, through March 21, 2027 at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots in New Orleans.
Live racing is open to guests of all ages (Children 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times). Children are not permitted in the slots or OTB areas. For more information on The Fair Grounds’ racing and special events, visit www.fairgroundsracecourse.com, and follow us on social media at @FairGroundsRaceCourseandSlots (Facebook) and @fairgroundsnola (Instagram).
About Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots
Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots (“Fair Grounds”), the nation’s third-oldest racetrack, has been in operation since 1872. Located in New Orleans, LA, Fair Grounds is owned by Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ: CHDN). Fair Grounds also operates 13 OTBs with video poker facilities throughout southeast Louisiana. Live racing at Fair Grounds is set to begin on November 19, 2026 for the 155th Thoroughbred Racing Season – highlighted by the 114th running of the Louisiana Derby on March 20, 2027. More information can be found online at www.fairgroundsracecourse.com.
