Fair Grounds will host 57 stakes worth more than $6.69 million during the track’s 2017-18 meet, it was announced Thursday.
The New Orleans venue kicks off its 146th season of Thoroughbred racing on Saturday, November 18, but one of the highlights of the meet won’t come until March 24, 2018. That’s when three-year-olds hoping to make the Kentucky Derby (G1) will line up in the 105th edition of the Louisiana Derby (G2).
The $1 million contest, sponsored by TwinSpires.com, headlines a stakes-laden day that also includes the $400,000 Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) for sophomore fillies en route to the Kentucky Oaks (G1).
Other major events during the Fair Grounds meet include Road to the Derby Kickoff Day on January 13, which will feature the $200,000 Lecomte Stakes (G3); Louisiana Derby Preview Day on February 17, highlighted by the $400,000 Risen Star Stakes (G2); and Louisiana Champions Day for Louisiana-breds on December 9.
The complete 2017-2018 stakes schedule can be found by clicking here as well as below:
