Louisiana Horse Racing

Louisiana Horse Racing

The racing and breeding industry in Louisiana is alive and well and the state offers both Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing with strong state-bred programs and incentives. Live racing is held at four separate race tracks and horse racing has been a part of the history of Louisiana since the 1850s.

Louisiana Race Tracks

Fair Grounds

Fair Grounds Race Course is the third-oldest facility in the country and has been in operation under various names since 1852. The track now has both a turf and dirt course and is home to some of the top Thoroughbred horse racing in the country. Live racing is conducted from November through April and then again from August to the beginning of September. The premier race is the $1 million Louisiana Derby, a Grade 2 race that is a key prep for the Kentucky Derby (G1).

Evangeline Downs

Evangeline Downs hosts both Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing. The Quarter Horse season kicks off at the end of September and runs through December for a total of 46 days. The Thoroughbred season begins in early April and continues to the end of August for a total of 84 live racing days. The track offers state-bred incentives and hosts Louisiana Legends Day in July.

Delta Downs

Delta Downs offers Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing and is the site of major races for both breeds. For the Quarter Horses, Delta Downs races from mid-April to mid-July and hosts the Firecracker Derby, Firecracker Futurity and Louisiana Showcase Night in July. Thoroughbred racing is held from October through March with the highlight event being the $1 million Delta Downs Jackpot. The race, a Grade 2 for two-year-olds, is held in November and has begun to attract top class horses.

Louisiana Downs

Louisiana Downs is another facility that supports both the Quarter Horse and the Thoroughbred industries. The Quarter Horse season is held from January through March and then the track shifts gears and hosts a Thoroughbred meet from May through September. Their biggest event is the $400,000 Super Derby, a Grade 2 race for three-year-olds which has attracted some of the top contemporary horses. 

 

Bet Louisiana Horse Racing Online!

You can still get in on horse racing action in Louisiana even if you can't get to the track, by placing a wager in an online racebook.

* REMINDER! - you must be of legal age in your state or province to legally wager on thoroughbred or harness horse racing. Please bet responsibly!