Fair Grounds has bumped purses for the GII Risen Star Stakes and the GIII Lecomte Stakes–both “Road to the Kentucky Derby” points races–in advance of the track's 153rd season. The Risen Star will be increased from $400,000 to $500,000 and the Lecomte upped from $200,000 to $250,000. With eight existing stakes getting a $25,000 boost, a total of $325,000 in increases is scheduled for the track's 63-race stakes program, totaling $8.875 million in purses during the 76-day Thoroughbred meet.
“The Louisiana Road to the Derby and Oaks has established itself as one of the most productive paths to Louisville and we hope bolstering these races helps to maintain its presence as the premiere series of Derby preps,” said Director of Racing Jason Boulet.
The New Orleans-area track will open Friday, Nov. 22 with six Louisiana-bred stakes slated for the first two racing programs.
The Road to the Derby Kickoff Day at Fair Grounds begins Dec. 21, followed by Road to the Derby Day Jan. 18, Louisiana Derby Preview Day Feb. 15, and Louisiana Derby Day Mar. 22. Each program will feature Kentucky Derby and Oaks preps, as well as additional graded stakes.
Closing day is Sunday, Mar. 23, with the first condition book available here.
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