New Orleans live oaks draped in Spanish moss

Fair Grounds Race Course

ThoroughbredDirtTurf
Official site ↗Directions ↗Hotels nearby ↗

Fair Grounds Race Course is a thoroughbred racetrack in New Orleans, Louisiana. It opened in 1838, making it 188 years old in 2026. It races on a 1-mile dirt oval, 7-furlong turf course.

Its signature races are the Louisiana Derby (G2), Fair Grounds Oaks (G2), Risen Star Stakes (G2) and New Orleans Classic (G2).

Racing began at the site in 1838, making it the oldest horse racing site in America still in operation.

Track facts

Location
New Orleans, Louisiana
Racing
Thoroughbred
Surfaces
Dirt, Turf
Track
1-mile dirt oval, 7-furlong turf course
Opened
1838
Racing season
November–March
Operator
Churchill Downs Inc.
Former names
Louisiana Race Course (1838)
Union Race Course (1852)
Creole Race Course (1859)

Signature races at Fair Grounds Race Course

Race day

When to go. Live racing runs november–March. Check the official site for post times and the current stakes schedule.

The view. Our illustration shows New Orleans live oaks draped in Spanish moss in the background.

Getting there. Directions to Fair Grounds Race Course and parking nearby.

Plan your trip to Fair Grounds Race Course

Hotels near Fair Grounds Race CourseBook a stay for race day on ExpediaRace schedule & post timesLive racing dates and stakesParkingLots near the trackDirectionsMap to Fair Grounds Race CourseTours & things to do in New OrleansSightseeing, tours and more on ExpediaFood & drinks nearbySpots to eat before or after the races

Tracks near Fair Grounds Race Course10

  1. 1ThoroughbredEvangeline Downs — Lafayette Stakes (Opelousas, Louisiana)123 mi
  2. 2ThoroughbredDelta Downs — Delta Downs Jackpot (Vinton, Louisiana)212 mi
  3. 3ThoroughbredLouisiana Downs — Super Derby (Bossier City, Louisiana)274 mi
  4. 4ThoroughbredSam Houston Race Park — Houston Ladies Classic (Houston, Texas)326 mi
  5. 5ThoroughbredOaklawn Racing Casino Resort — Arkansas Derby (Hot Springs, Arkansas)356 mi
  6. 6ThoroughbredLone Star Park — Steve Sexton Mile (Grand Prairie, Texas)451 mi
  7. 7ThoroughbredTampa Bay Downs — Tampa Bay Derby (Oldsmar, Florida)469 mi
  8. 8HarnessOak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel — Harness racing (Oak Grove, Kentucky)486 mi
  9. 9ThoroughbredKentucky Downs — Kentucky Downs Ladies Sprint (Franklin, Kentucky)503 mi
  10. 10ThoroughbredCherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs — Route 66 Stakes (Claremore, Oklahoma)539 mi

Questions about Fair Grounds Race Course

Where is Fair Grounds Race Course?

Fair Grounds Race Course is in New Orleans, Louisiana.

What kind of racing is at Fair Grounds Race Course?

Fair Grounds Race Course hosts thoroughbred racing. Live racing runs november–March.

When did Fair Grounds Race Course open?

Fair Grounds Race Course opened in 1838.

What is the biggest race at Fair Grounds Race Course?

The signature race at Fair Grounds Race Course is the Louisiana Derby (G2).

What other racetracks are near Fair Grounds Race Course?

The closest is Evangeline Downs in Opelousas, Louisiana, about 123 miles away. See the full list of nearby tracks on this page.

Facts are for the 2026 racing season. Distances are straight-line miles. The illustration is original artwork, not a photo. See something wrong? Let us know. Is this your track? Get the “Listed on HorsetrackAtlas.com” badge for your website.