Fair Grounds Race Course will offer high definition (HD) simulcasts of all of
its races when the historic New Orleans track opens its 2009-2010 Thoroughbred
meet on November 6. In doing so, Fair Grounds will become the second Churchill
Downs Inc. track, and only the third in North America, to offer a high
definition simulcast signal to on-track and simulcast patrons.
The HD simulcasts will be available at select simulcast outlets, throughout
Fair Grounds’ Louisiana OTB network, and at several on-track locations during
the 85-day Fair Grounds meet that will run through March 28.
“The debut of high definition simulcasting at Fair Grounds is another step in
our continuing effort to improve the Fair Grounds racing experience for our
horsemen, on-track fans, and customers who will enjoy our outstanding races in
OTBs, simulcast centers or the comfort of their homes,” said Austin Miller,
president of Fair Grounds. “We are just weeks away from what should be the most
exciting, high-quality racing meet in Fair Grounds history and the addition of
HD simulcasting underscores our commitment to the future of racing at our
historic track. We have significantly strengthened our stakes schedule and
fine-tuned our racing surface, which was already regarded as one of the finest
in North America. The introduction of our high definition simulcast signal will
help bring the excitement of Fair Grounds racing to life for countless fans and
is one more reason to look forward to the start of our spectacular meet on
November 6.”
Fellow CDI track Churchill Downs became the first in North America to offer
simulcasts in HD when Churchill Downs Simulcast Productions (CDSP) delivered
High Definition simulcasts of races at the Louisville, Kentucky, track during
its 2008 fall meet.
“The enthusiastic response to high definition simulcasting at Churchill Downs
has been gratifying and we are delighted to bring the quality and clarity that
HD simulcasting provides to a Fair Grounds meet that will be a true highlight on
the American racing calendar,” said David Loignon, general manager of CDSP.
“Churchill Downs Inc. continues to invest in the future of Thoroughbred racing
in the United States. With nearly 90 percent of all U.S. handle bet at locations
away from the track where the race occurs, we view our investment in high
definition video as an absolute requirement for racing’s success in the 21st
century.”
The highly anticipated Fair Grounds season will feature a record stakes
schedule set to include 66 stakes events with total purses of $7.24 million. The
meet’s highlight will be the March 27 program headed by the 97th running of the
Louisiana Derby (G2), Fair Grounds’ major prep for the Kentucky Derby (G1), and
five other stakes events. The 2010 Louisiana Derby will carry a record purse of
$750,000 and will be run at the new distance of 1 1/8 miles.