Top Returning Barns, National Newcomers Headline Fair Grounds Backside for 155th Racing Season
155th Season Features New Events, Returning Favorites and Venue Enhancements
NEW ORLEANS (Oct. 21, 2026) — A mix of returning stables and high-profile newcomers will headline the Fair Grounds backside when the track opens its 155th racing season Nov. 19.
The 2026-27 colony includes established Fair Grounds participants Steve Asmussen, Brad Cox, Cherie DeVaux, Joe Sharp, Brendan Walsh and Kenny McPeek, along with newcomers Michael McCarthy, Philip D’Amato and Rudy Rodriguez.
DeVaux is set to return to New Orleans with a full barn following a remarkable year in which Golden Tempo used his Fair Grounds foundation to win the Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May before later capturing the Belmont Stakes. The Derby triumph made DeVaux the first female trainer to win the race and further strengthened Fair Grounds’ reputation as one of the nation’s leading proving grounds on the road to the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks.
The returning roster also includes Dallas Stewart, Shane Wilson, Bret Calhoun, Mike Stidham, Al Stall Jr., Sam David Jr., Joe Duhon and Greg Foley, giving the meet a broad mix of established national operations and longtime Fair Grounds participants.
Sharp returns seeking his third consecutive Fair Grounds training title, while Cox arrives as the nation’s current leading trainer by earnings.
The returning depth will be complemented by one of the most intriguing groups of new barns to arrive at Fair Grounds in recent years.
Among the most notable additions are McCarthy and D’Amato from California. McCarthy has an established record at the sport’s highest levels, while Southern California-based D’Amato is one of the perennial leading trainers on the West Coast.
The New York circuit will be represented among the newcomers by Rudy Rodriguez and George Weaver, along with Ray Handal, who will return after a successful 2024 meet.
Fair Grounds Racing Hall of Fame trainer Neil Howard will return to the training ranks this winter with a 16-horse string for CamHaven Farms. Howard, 77, retired in 2021 after a career that included champion Mineshaft and major stakes winners Summer Squall and Secret Status, along with more than 1,200 victories.
Several returning Louisiana circuit stables also are expanding their Fair Grounds presence, including Joey Foster, Joe Duhon, David Terre and Chadwick Mouton.
With returning horsemen, expanded local operations and several new stables joining the colony, Fair Grounds is set for another competitive winter season as the 155th meet gets underway in New Orleans.
155th Season Features New Events, Returning Favorites and Venue Enhancements
The 2026-27 racing season’s programming at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots will feature an exciting mix of racing, entertainment, family activities, community celebrations, and unique experiences for guests of all ages. Highlights include:
November 21 (12:55 p.m.) – Jambalaya Jamboree Cook-Off: New this season, opening weekend kicks off with a flavorful competition featuring teams battling for cash, bragging rights and the title of Jambalaya Jamboree champion.
November 26 (12 pm) Thanksgiving at the Fair Grounds (<-- tickets now available):Celebrate Thanksgiving with a full day of racing, dining and fun for the whole krewe. Guests can enjoy all-inclusive culinary offerings in the Clubhouse and Black Gold Dining, plus two new locations — the Apron Tent and Sports Lounge — while taking in the 102nd running of the Thanksgiving Classic.
November 27 (12:55 p.m.) – Deck the Stalls Black Friday Pop-Up Shops: Shop local and regional vendors while enjoying a day of racing at the Fair Grounds.
November 28, December 26, February 11 (12:55 p.m.) – Junior Jockey Days: Racing fans age 12 and under are invited to join the free Junior Jockey Club and enjoy fun activities designed especially for our youngest racing fans.
December 4 – Bourbon, Beers & Betting: After the races, guests age 21 and older can head to the paddock for an evening of adult beverages and horseracing education featuring members of the Fair Grounds racing community.
December 5 (12:55 p.m.) – First Responder Day: Area and regional first responders are invited to enjoy a special day at the races in their honor, featuring drawings, races named in recognition of first responders and special guest appearances.
December 12 (12 p.m.) – Louisiana Champions Day & Salute the Military Day: One of the premier racing days of the season showcases the best Louisiana-bred horses with a 10-race card featuring seven stakes races across a variety of divisions and distances on both dirt and turf. Several college scholarships will also be awarded through random drawings to eligible Louisiana college and university students. The day will also honor military members and their families.
December 19 (12:55 p.m.) – Road to the Derby Kickoff Day: The road to the spring classics begins at Fair Grounds with eight stakes races featuring top 3-year-old colts and fillies and a first look at potential future champions.
January 1 (12:55 p.m.) – $20.27 Day: Ring in the New Year at the Fair Grounds with special Grandstand packages featuring food, drinks, discounts and slot offers for just $20.27.
January 2 (12:55 p.m.) – Thoroughbred Aftercare Day: Celebrate the equine athletes who give their all on the track and learn more about their lives after racing. The day will feature representatives from New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, along with drawings and autograph opportunities with jockey Rosie Napravnik.
January 3 (12:55 p.m.) – Fair Grounds Neighborhood Family Picnic Day: Neighbors and friends of the Fair Grounds are invited to pack a picnic and join us for our first-ever community day. The first 100 guests will receive a complimentary commemorative shirt.
January 8-10 (12:55 p.m.) – Fair Grounds Fan Giveaway Days: The first 100 guests to enter each day will receive exclusive Fair Grounds fan gear featuring merchandise not available for purchase elsewhere.
January 16 (12 p.m.) – Road to the Derby Day: One of the most anticipated days on the winter racing calendar features six major stakes showcasing some of the nation’s most promising 3-year-olds as they continue their journey toward the spring classics.
January 18 – Dawn at the Track: Experience Fair Grounds from a different perspective as the gates open early for fans to watch morning training sessions as the equine athletes prepare for the day’s racing. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
January 21 – Jockey Meet & Greet/Fundraiser: Fans will have the opportunity to meet and interact with members of the Fair Grounds jockey colony at this off-site fundraising event benefiting the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund.
January 30 (12:55 p.m.) – Exotic Animal Races & College Day: This popular event brings together college students, families and racing fans for an entertaining day featuring exotic animal races with camels, ostriches and zonkeys — a zebra/donkey hybrid.
February 4-5 (12:55 p.m.) – Dollar Days: Guests can enjoy special food and drink offers throughout the day for just $1 or $1 off.
February 12, 19 & 26 (3 p.m.) – Twilight Racing Series: Friday night racing returns with three unique themed evenings featuring music, entertainment and racing. Themes include Racing with Rosé, Clash of the Colleges and Salsa Night.
February 13 (12 p.m.) – Louisiana Derby Preview Day & Breast Cancer Event:Celebrate Valentine’s weekend with an exciting afternoon of racing featuring two of the season’s most anticipated prep races for the spring classics, along with a special on-site event supporting breast cancer awareness.
February 20 (12:55 p.m.) – Corgi Dog Races: It’s a royal day at the Fair Grounds as purebred Corgis compete in a 30-yard dash for a share of $1,000 in cash and prizes. Fans are encouraged to dress in their royal best in honor of the Queen’s favorite canine breed.
February 27 (12:55 p.m.) – Krewes & Brews: Celebrate the riding and marching krewes that make Mardi Gras possible. Qualifying krewes will have the opportunity to raise funds through ticket sales while enjoying a day at the races.
March 6 (12:55 p.m.) – Wiener Dog Races: Purebred Dachshunds take to the track for a 30-yard dash and a chance to win a share of $1,000 in cash and prizes.
March 12 (3 p.m.) – Senior Day: Guests age 55 and older can enjoy special pricing on food and specialty packages.
March 13 (12:55 p.m.) – Jazz Fest Day: With the countdown to New Orleans’ favorite festival underway, Fair Grounds will celebrate the food, culture and music of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival with a dedicated race day.
March 20 (12 p.m.) – Louisiana Derby Day: The premier racing day in Louisiana culminates with the $1 million Louisiana Derby.
March 21 (12:55 p.m.) – Awards & Closing Day: The 155th racing season comes to a close with the presentation of season-ending awards honoring the Leading Jockey, Trainer and Owner.
In addition to a full calendar of racing and special events, Fair Grounds will unveil several venue enhancements when the 155th season begins, designed to elevate the guest and racing experience:
Refreshed Black Gold Room: Located on the second floor of the Derby Building, the Black Gold Room features a more polished, upscale look, providing guests with a private setting to relax and enjoy the races.
Renovated Slot Floor: Guests can see a modernized slot floor featuring updated carpeting, a refreshed color scheme and new paint, along with brand-new restrooms and more than 80 new slot machines.
Updated Pan Zareta Room: The Pan Zareta Room received a fresh, modern look with new paint and carpeting. The space is ideal for groups looking to be close to the action, just steps from the Grandstand and Louisiana Derby Bar.
The 155th racing season will run November 19, 2026, through March 21, 2027 at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots in New Orleans.