Journalists Wandering Eyes Posted September 3 Journalists Posted September 3 The 2025-26 stakes schedule for Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots will be headed $1-million GII TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby on Mar. 21, according to a track release Wednesday. After an increase last season, Fair Grounds' Road to the Derby remains valued at $1.875 million. The track's 154th racing season will offer 56 stakes worth $8.65 million. Louisiana Derby Day will feature eight stakes totaling $2.65 million, headlined by the 113th Louisiana Derby at 1 3/16 miles. The race awards 100-50-25-15-10 points on the Road to the GI Kentucky Derby. The card also includes the $400,000 GII Fasig-Tipton Fair Grounds Oaks, run at 1 1/16 miles, which offers the same point structure toward the GI Longines Kentucky Oaks. Louisiana Derby Preview Day on Feb. 14 will feature the $500,000 GII Fasig-Tipton Risen Star and the $300,000 GII Fasig-Tipton Rachel Alexandra. Both races offer 50-25-15-10-5 points on their respective Derby and Oaks trails. Last year's Rachel Alexandra winner, Good Cheer (Medaglia d'Oro), went on to win Kentucky Oaks 151. On Jan. 17, Road to the Derby Day will include six stakes, headlined by the $250,000 GIII Lecomte Stakes and the $150,000 Fasig-Tipton Silverbulletday Stakes. Both races offer 20-10-6-4-2 points toward the Derby and Oaks, respectively. Headlined by the $100,000 Gun Runner, a trio of stakes are scheduled for Road to the Derby Kickoff Day on Dec. 20, including the $100,000 Untapable. Both award 10-5-3-2-1 qualifying points on the respective Derby and Oaks paths. The 70-day meet is set to open on Thursday, Nov. 20, with the potential for two additional dates in March if recommended by the Louisiana HBPA 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 contested across the first three race days as preps for Louisiana Champions Day on Saturday, Dec. 14. The dirt route series for older horses begins with the $100,000 Tenacious on Dec. 20, the $175,000 GIII Louisiana on Jan. 17, and the $250,000 GIII Mineshaft on Feb. 14. All three will again be presented by Hagyard. The series culminates with the $500,000 GII New Orleans Classic on Mar. 21. The open-company turf route series concludes with the $300,000 GII Muniz Memorial at 1 1/8 miles on Mar. 21. It begins with the $100,000 Colonel E.R. Bradley at 1 1/16 miles on Jan. 17 and continues with the $175,000 GIII Fair Grounds Stakes on Feb. 14. All three races are presented by Horse Racing Nation. 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 backside opens Sept. 15. Regular post time during the meet will be 12:45 p.m. Central, except for noon post times on 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. The post $1M Louisiana Derby Highlights Fair Grounds’ 2025-26 Stakes Schedule appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article Quote
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