Hurricane Ida can blame or thank for the rehaul the Fair Grounds will get. The famous green tote board that runs in the infield was damaged beyond repair during the 2020 storm. In its place is a $1.5 million video board that is state of the art. The video board has three bright blue display panels along with the latest technology and is 25 feet tall and 144 feet wide. 
“When you first see it, there’s gonna be a ‘Wow’ factor,” said Jason Boulet, the senior director of racing at the Fair Grounds.
The 80-day race will include 65 stakes worth $8.5 million. There will be twelve new Louisiana-bred stakes and six will be this month.
“I’m so excited to get down there and see who the next wave of stars is going to be this year,” said Fair Grounds horse racing analyst Joe Kristufek from his fall base operations at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. “It just gets better and better every year.”
The Road to the Louisiana Derby’s prep races is the biggest event. The stakes races for those that hope to participate in the Kentucky Derby will be during the event. In fact, last year’s Louisiana Derby champion named Epicenter finished second at the Kentucky Derby.
