Fair Grounds Announces 15% Purse Increase
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Photo: Hodges Photography / Lou Hodges Jr.
Brooke Marie wins the 2021 Pan Zareta Stakes at Fair Grounds Race Course
Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots announced Jan. 3 a 15% purse increase across the board. The New Orleans oval cited a strong handle during the first five weeks of its 150th racing season as inspiration for the increase.
"We're extremely excited to announce a 15% increase to our daily purse structure," Fair Grounds racing secretary Scott Jones said. "Based on the strong early handle returns and continued support from our owners and horsemen, we are in a position to raise purses."
The 15% across-the-board purse increase will go into effect immediately, beginning with the entries for the Thursday, Jan. 13 card, which will be drawn on Thursday, Jan. 6. Maiden special weight races will now be worth $52,000. The purse increase includes both open races and Louisiana-bred races.
The 2021-22 season of Fair Grounds will continue through March 27. The meet is highlighted by the March 26 card which includes the TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby (G2) and TwinSpires.com Fair Grounds Oaks (G2). In addition to the Louisiana Derby, other Road to the Kentucky Derby series races at Fair Grounds include the Jan. 22 Lecomte Stakes (G3) and the Feb. 19 Risen Star Stakes Presented by Lamarque Ford (G2). The Fair Grounds Oaks, Feb. 19 Rachel Alexandra Stakes Presented by Fasig-Tipton (G2), and Jan. 22 Silverbulletday Stakes are part of the Road to the Kentucky Oaks.