b'racingE arlie M C Carthy Fair Grounds race course Hodges PHotograPHyBy ChAmong the sites and places that help Every calendar year begins with a fewform the unique city of New Orleans is Fair circled dates for most racing fansdays ofGrounds, the nations third-oldest continually the Triple Crown events; the summer meet atoperating Thoroughbred racetrack behind Saratoga Springs, New York; and the Breed- Pimlico and Saratoga Race Course.ers Cup World Championships. Races were conducted at what was then But fueling each of those annual high- called the Louisiana Race Course as early as lights, as well as many races during the spring1838. The track bore other names before it and summer months, are the winter meetsbecame Fair Grounds for good in 1863.where 3-year-old prospects try and establishFrom 1838-1871, there were periods themselves as stars and older horses attemptduring which Fair Grounds held no racing to bolster their rsums. due to competition from the nearby Metairie At a time when much of the countryCourse. It wasnt until 1872, under the aus-copes with cold, ice, and snow, Thorough- pices of the re-formed Louisiana Jockey Club, breds run strong at Fair Grounds Racethat Fair Grounds again held regular meets.Course & Slots in New Orleans; GulfstreamThe winter meet currently runs from Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida; and Santamid-November through late-March. The Anita Park in Arcadia, California. layout consists of a one-mile dirt track and a Not only are all three venues locatedseven-furlong turf oval, installed in 1981.in or near popular vacation destinations,We are known for having one of the best but each also sports quality amenities andand one of the safest surfaces in the coun-thrilling stakes races. try, said Jason Boulet, Fair Grounds senior 22 04_WinterRacing.indd 22 3/21/19 2:30 PM'