Fair Grounds Suspends Turf Racing

The Louisiana track entered its meet with plans to begin with limited turf racing.

Officials at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots this week suspended turf racing through at least late December to allow the track’s grass to recover from damage to the inner portion of the course. The New Orleans track entered its meet that began Nov. 18 with plans of a reduced schedule of turf racing, utilizing only its outermost running lane.

According to Gary Palmisano, executive director of racing for Churchill Downs Inc., which owns Fair Grounds, the course did not experience its customary growth this fall. Amid dry conditions, a well the track used for watering the grass was intruded with salt water when the Gulf of Mexico pushed into city freshwater supplies due to drought across much of the areas surrounding the Mississippi River, he said. Saltwater can kill grass.

Initial use of another water source and recent rainfall in the area has allowed officials to irrigate the turf, he added.

 

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LTBA Year End Reminders

The LTBA would like to remind breeders of several important deadlines coming up before the end of the year.

 

Accreditation Fees for 2022 Foals
Louisiana Accreditation fees are $75 for 2022 weanlings.
On January 1, 2023 foals become yearlings and the rate increases to $250.
Due by December 31, 2022

 

Louisiana Futurity Nominations (Pregnant Mares)
Due by December 31, 2022

 

Louisiana Stallion Registrations
Stallion owners register your stallions as a stallion participating in the stallion award program ($200) or as a stallion standing in the state only ($20)
Due by December 31, 2022