🎓 Seven Scholarships to be Awarded at Louisiana Champions Day on December 13 at the Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots in New Orleans 🏇

Registration On Site at the Fair Grounds on December 13

(NEW ORLEANS, La.) - The Fair Grounds Racecourse & Slots is set to host Louisiana Champions Day on Saturday, December 13. The event will begin with a post time of 12:45 p.m. Central Time. As one of the most anticipated days in Louisiana horse racing, the day features championship stakes racing and a variety of engaging activities for attendees.

Louisiana Champions Day is highlighted by seven championship stake races, offering a combined total of $925,000 in purse money. These races are exclusive to Louisiana-bred horses and are run in various divisions and distances. Both dirt and turf tracks will be utilized, ensuring diverse and exciting competition throughout the day.

The championship races on Louisiana Champions Day are restricted to horses bred in Louisiana, reflecting the strength of the state’s breeding program. The Louisiana bred program is recognized as one of the leading breeding incentive award programs in the United States. This robust program has contributed to a remarkable increase in breeding activity, resulting in record numbers of mares bred and a more than 50 percent increase in 2025.

The stakes are as follows:

• LOUISIANA CHAMPIONS DAY JUVENILE 35th Running $125,000 Guaranteed 

• LOUISIANA CHAMPIONS DAY SPRINT 35th Running $125,000 Guaranteed

• LOUISIANA CHAMPIONS DAY LADIES SPRINT 20th Running $125,000 Guaranteed 

• LOUISIANA CHAMPIONS DAY LASSIE 35th Running $125,000 Guaranteed 

• LOUISIANA CHAMPIONS DAY CLASSIC 35th Running $150,000 Guaranteed 

• LOUISIANA CHAMPIONS DAY CLASSIC 35th Running $150,000 Guaranteed 

• LOUISIANA CHAMPIONS DAY LADIES TURF 35th Running $125,000 Guaranteed 

The Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association (LTBA) is committed to supporting education by awarding five scholarships to college students. Each scholarship is valued at $1,000. Additionally, The Fair Grounds will present two scholarships, also valued at $1,000 each. Altogether, these scholarships total $7,000, providing significant financial assistance to students pursuing higher education.

Roger Heitzmann, secretary/treasurer for the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association, emphasizes the excitement of Louisiana bred Championship racing. He notes that this event showcases some of the most thrilling thoroughbred races of the year, often playing a pivotal role in determining the Horse of the Year standings among LTBA members. The championship races feature top Louisiana bred racehorses, consistently resulting in exhilarating finishes. This special day brings together leading Louisiana breeders and their connections in the iconic city of New Orleans, celebrating the achievements and spirit of the state's thoroughbred racing community.

Requirements for the scholarship are as follows:

• Must be a college student enrolled full-time in an Accredited College, University or Community College for Spring 2026

• Scholarships will be awarded by random draw.

• Must be in good standing with the college or university. 

• Must be present to win at the Winner’s Circle when the announcement is made. 

• Must have college ID and government-issued ID. 

• Must have University ID number or Social Security number.

For Louisiana Champions Day:

• Registration: 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. at the designated booth 

• Races begin: 12:45 p.m. 

• Drawing Time: The scholarships will be awarded after the fifth race. The scholarship will be deposited directly into the student’s account at the college or university. The student is asked to know the name and address of the college that they are attending. 

Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association manages the best incentive program for breeding thoroughbreds in the United States. Since the organization formed in 1963, this has led to increased purses, better quality horses, and increased interest in racing and breeding horses. The thoroughbred racing and breeding industry generates over $2 billion and employs over 60,000 people in the state of Louisiana.

For more information about Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association visit louisianabred.com or call (504) 947-4676.