Lawmakers Act to Keep Horse Racing at Fair Grounds

On Thursday, Lawmakers and state leaders worked together to keep horse races going at the Fair Grounds Race Results Course and Slots in New Orleans. They did this as worry rises about what will happen to the site. This came right after its owner, Churchill Downs, Inc., made a big news drop.

New Orleans City Council members approved a temporary measure that blocks new land use proposals at the Fair Grounds site. Meanwhile, state legislators passed a bill that would require official approval before any attempt to halt horse racing or dismantle structures on the property. These steps aim to keep the look and work of a place that has held races since 1838.

This week, Churchill Downs told state leaders that it would let go of its racing, slots, and video poker rights in Louisiana. This choice came after the state’s top court put limits on the firm’s gaming money. Before this, Churchill Downs tried to get cash help from the state to deal with the blow, but did not succeed.

While Churchill Downs has not shared plans for the land yet, its choice to stop racing and gaming has made people think the area might be used in new ways or sold.

The New Orleans City Council has decided to take emergency measures and halt further land-use applications for the Fair Grounds. The New Orleans City Council gave as a reason the urgent need to secure more permanent zoning protections for the venue because of its long history and contribution to the economy in that area.

During the meeting, New Orleans City Councilwoman Helena Moreno commented on the Fair Grounds’ long-standing place in the city’s history by creating jobs and preserving traditions and mores of culture and cultural celebrations. The lawmakers then passed a bill that now designates the Fair Grounds property the Fair Grounds Historic Site – meaning that any meaningful renovation or any attempt to eliminate racing days would have to receive the blessing of the Legislature. That ruling creates a roof of protection over the track and its grounds.

A strongly weighted push stood behind this bill. Legislators essentially said that without such statutes on the books, the property could come under pressure to be redeveloped, thereby endangering a stellar anchor for commerce and culture in Louisiana.

With the news from Churchill Downs, the horse people and the stablekeepers’ concerns began. In so many regards, these were the people who needed the Fair Grounds for their existence, and any changes there would be a huge blow to their business. Another behemoth running at the site is the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, which likewise draws massive attendance and benefits neighborhood stores. Legislators look closely at this, seeing the immense effects of events and races.

New things near the Fair Grounds have left many in the race world unsure. A long-time coach was shocked by the news, scared that the races at the Fair Grounds might stop soon. Some who own horses are thinking about what to do next, with some looking at tracks not in Louisiana.

People who make laws are paying attention to the worry. They are talking about ways to keep the racing world safe and keep things going at the Fair Grounds. As these talks go on, they are also looking at long-term plans to make sure jobs and events linked to the place stay the same. Many in the racing world hope these lawmakers will help before choices are made that could change the way racing looks in the area.

To deal with this, city leaders are looking to make a new zoning rule to keep the site safe for a long time. The planning team will soon start to look at plans and structures.

At the state level, lawmakers are thinking about ways to deal with racing and gaming in Louisiana. Talks are going on about whether other groups might take over the racing part of the Fair Grounds race results if Churchill Downs pulls out for good.

The measures passed this week reflect a shared effort to keep the property tied to its long-standing function. While lawmakers has no final decisions have been made about the site’s long-term use, local and state officials say that the approval of these safeguards provides a foundation to maintain the Fair Grounds race results as a working track.

New Orleans City Council member Eugene Green summed up the sentiment: “We have a responsibility to protect institutions that mean something to this city and its people.”