Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots has released its 2025-26 stakes schedule, led by the $1 million Louisiana Derby (G2). After an increase last season, Fair Grounds' Road to the Kentucky Derby remains valued at $1.875 million. The track's 154th racing season will offer 56 stakes worth $8.65 million.
Louisiana Derby Day, set for March 21, 2026, will feature eight stakes totaling $2.65 million, headlined by the 113th running of the Louisiana Derby at 1 3/16 miles. The race awards 100-50-25-15-10 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. The card also includes the $400,000 Fair Grounds Oaks (G2), run at 1 1/16 miles, which offers the same point structure toward the Kentucky Oaks (G1).
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Louisiana Derby Preview Day, Feb. 14, will feature the $500,000 Risen Star Stakes (G2) and the $300,000 Rachel Alexandra Stakes (G2). Both races offer 50-25-15-10-5 points on their respective Derby and Oaks trails. This year's Rachel Alexandra winner, Good Cheer, went on to win the Kentucky Oaks (G1).
On Jan. 17, Road to the Derby Day will include six stakes, headlined by the $250,000 Lecomte Stakes (G3) and the $150,000 Silverbulletday Stakes. Both races offer 20-10-6-4-2 points toward the Derby and Oaks, respectively.
Headlined by the $100,000 Gun Runner Stakes, a trio of stakes are scheduled for Road to the Derby Kickoff Day Dec. 20, including the $100,000 Untapable Stakes. Both award 10-5-3-2-1 qualifying points on the respective Derby and Oaks paths.
The 70-day meet is set to open Nov. 20, with the potential for two additional dates in March if recommended by the Louisiana Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association and approved by the Louisiana Racing Commission. Purses for maiden special weights have been set at $54,000, while allowance races will range from $55,000 to $58,000.
Six Louisiana-bred stakes will be run across the first three race days as preps for Louisiana Champions Day Dec. 14.
The 101st running of the $175,000 Thanksgiving Classic Stakes, a six-furlong dirt sprint, headlines the Thanksgiving Day card Nov. 27.
The dirt route series for older horses builds to the $500,000 New Orleans Classic Stakes (G2) March 21. The series begins with the $100,000 Tenacious Stakes Dec. 20, followed by the $175,000 Louisiana Stakes (G3) Jan. 17, and the $250,000 Mineshaft Stakes (G3) Feb. 14. All three will again be presented by Hagyard.
The open-company turf route series concludes with the $300,000 Muniz Memorial Classic Stakes (G2T) at 1 1/8 miles March 21. It begins with the $100,000 Colonel E.R. Bradley Stakes at 1 1/16 miles Jan. 17, and continues with the $175,000 Fair Grounds Stakes (G3T) Feb. 14.
The filly and mare turf route series culminates in the $150,000 Tom Benson Memorial Stakes March 21. It begins with the $100,000 Marie G. Krantz Memorial Stakes Jan. 17, followed by the $100,000 Albert M. Stall Memorial Stakes Feb. 14. Both are run at 1 1/16 miles.
Two open-company turf sprints are scheduled: the $100,000 Duncan F. Kenner Stakes Jan. 17 and the $100,000 Colonel Power Stakes Feb. 14. Both will be run at 5 1/2 furlongs.
A turf sprint series for older fillies and mares includes the $100,000 Pan Zareta Stakes Nov. 29, the $100,000 Nelson J. Menard Memorial Stakes Jan. 10, and the $100,000 Mardi Gras Stakes Feb. 17.
Closing Day March 22 will feature three Louisiana-bred stakes—each worth $100,000: the Star Guitar Stakes, the Shantel Lanerie Memorial Stakes, and the newly named Ova Charged Stakes, a turf sprint for fillies and mares 3 and up.
The first condition book, compiled by racing secretary Scott Jones, is expected to be published in early September. Stall applications for the 2025-26 meet are due Oct. 6, and the barn area opens Sept. 15.
Regular post time during the meet will be 12:45 p.m. Central, except for noon post times Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 27), Road to the Derby Day (Jan. 17), Louisiana Derby Preview Day (Feb. 14), and Louisiana Derby Day (March 21).
The full 2025-26 stakes schedule will be available soon at www.fgno.com.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
