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Louisiana Racing Commission Defers Renewal of Churchill's' Fair Grounds License
The Louisiana Racing Commission has deferred it's renewal of Churchill Down's Fair Grounds license until May 1.

Fair Grounds Race Course Photo
Louisiana Racing Commission Defers Renewal of Churchill's' Fair Grounds License

NEW ORLEANS, LA—APRIL 22, 2014—Despite pledges by Churchill Downs Inc. to re-invest in several lagging areas at the Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans, the Louisiana State Racing Commission hasn't been convinced.

After almost two hours of discussion at a meeting today (Tuesday), the Louisiana Racing Commission decided to defer the company's rolling 10-year license to hold live racing at the Fair Grounds and operate its off-track betting parlors in Louisiana.

The Commission will hold a special meeting May 1 to discuss the license request. Churchill Downs Inc. has been asked to provide short- and long-term strategic plans in four areas: marketing, the turf course, service and other facilities.

In the last several months, tense discussions between the Louisiana Racing Commission, Churchill Downs Inc. and the Louisiana Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association have become the norm.

Almost a decade after Churchill took over management of the facility, commissioners and the LHBPA, have expressed their concerns about the current state of the historic racetrack. During the 2013-14 meet, the Fair Grounds saw a 12 percent dip in wagering from the previous year, according to figures provided by the Racing Commission.

A bill aimed at providing improvements to the New Orleans Fair Grounds was easily passed through the Louisiana House last week by a vote of 94-0. There was no opposition to the bill presented by Rep. Patrick Connick, R-Marrero.

The bill, which would require track owner Churchill Downs Inc. to reinvest 10 percent of slot machine revenue into the facility, now passes through to the Senate committee.

Churchill Downs representatives were at the state capitol last week to oppose the bill.