After consulting with the Louisiana Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective
Association and the Louisiana State Racing Commission, Fair Grounds has canceled
the remainder of the 2012 Summer Quarter Horse Meet due to complications caused
by Hurricane Isaac, pending official LSRC approval.
The last four days of the season, originally scheduled for Wednesday to
Saturday of this week, were postponed as the storm that would become Hurricane
Isaac moved into the Gulf of Mexico last weekend. A mandatory evacuation of the
Fair Grounds barn area sent about 700 horses to safer locations throughout the
region.
Storm damage at Fair Grounds included large segments of two barn roofs that
blew away, toppled guard shacks and fencing, as well as extensive debris strewn
about. The main track was washed out after taking on 20 inches of rain in 48
hours.
Most of New Orleans remains without electricity and surrounding areas
continue to deal with catastrophic flooding.
Fair Grounds had hoped to reschedule some of the canceled races next week,
but the logistics of doing so have proven insurmountable.
“With Southeast Louisiana in a state of emergency, we could not expect our
horsemen to ship in again for just one more start,” Fair Grounds Vice President
& General Manager for Racing Eric Halstrom said.
“Instead of forcing the issue under trying circumstances, everyone agreed it
made sense to let these days go and run the lost races later under better
conditions. We are very appreciative of the cooperation and support we have
received from the horsemen and the racing commission in making this decision.”
The entirety of the remaining funds in the purse account will be used for
Quarter Horse races at a later date.
Officials are still determining what to do about the $264,480 Louisiana
Quarter Horse Breeders Association Sales Futurity final, which was to be run
Saturday with a field of 10 already qualified via trial races held August 15.
Fair Grounds expects the barn area to be fixed and ready to receive horses
for the 141st Thoroughbred racing season as scheduled on October 22, one month
before the traditional Thanksgiving Day opening on November 22.
Fair Grounds was to reopen its Slots facility Friday at noon (CDT) after a
60-hour temporary closure due to Hurricane Isaac.
The Fair Grounds OTB on the first and second floors of the Grandstand was
also scheduled to reopen at noon.
Of the 10 Fair Grounds OTB and Fair Grounds OTB Casino locations throughout
Southeast Louisiana, three were to be operational Friday. The Metairie and
Gretna parlors opened their doors at 10 a.m. and the Houma facility was set to
open in the early afternoon.
Reopening times for the other Fair Grounds OTB and Fair Grounds OTB Casino
locations have yet to be determined. Please
call ahead to check on the status of your favorite parlor.
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