Fair Grounds Adds Pair Of Mondays To 2026 Meet

The additional race days were inspired by strong purse performance, according to the track.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots has added two additional race dates to the 2025-26 meet, the track announced on Tuesday. The additional days, which were 'inspired by the strong performance of purse sources' according to the release, will be Monday, March 9, and Monday, March 16. The Thursday-through-Sunday schedule remains intact for the remaining dates in February, while March will now include two five-day race weeks.

Why it matters

The addition of two Mondays to the Fair Grounds meet reflects the track's confidence in the strength of its purse sources and a shared commitment with the Louisiana HBPA and Racing Commission to provide more racing opportunities for horsemen and fans.

The details

Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, located in New Orleans, Louisiana, has expanded its 2025-26 meet by adding two additional Mondays - March 9 and March 16. This decision was made after a purse meeting with the Louisiana HBPA and Racing Commission, where all parties agreed the extra race days fit within current projections and demonstrated a shared commitment to the meet's success.

  • The additional race days will be on Monday, March 9, and Monday, March 16, 2026.
  • The Thursday-through-Sunday schedule remains intact for the remaining dates in February 2026.
  • March 2026 will now include two five-day race weeks: March 5-9 and March 12-16.
  • Closing week for the 2025-26 meet remains Thursday, March 19, through Sunday, March 22, 2026.

The players

Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots

A thoroughbred racetrack located in New Orleans, Louisiana that hosts an annual race meet.

Louisiana HBPA

The Louisiana Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, which represents the interests of thoroughbred horse owners and trainers in the state.

Jason Boulet

The senior director of racing at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Following the purse meeting with the Louisiana HBPA and Racing Commission, all parties involved were confident that the addition of two race days fits within our current projections and reflects a shared commitment to the strength of the meet.”

— Jason Boulet, Senior Director of Racing (thoroughbreddailynews.com)

The takeaway

The expansion of the Fair Grounds race meet by adding two additional Mondays demonstrates the track's strong financial position and its ability to provide more racing opportunities for horsemen and fans in the New Orleans area. This move is a positive sign for the long-term viability and growth of thoroughbred racing in Louisiana.