Fair Grounds has made some changes to its GI Kentucky Derby preps, including extending the distance of the GII Louisiana Derby from 1 1/8 miles to 1 3/16 miles. The GIII Lecomte S. was extended from 1 mile and 70 yards to 1 1/16 miles and the GII Risen Star S. went from 1 1/16 miles to 1 1/8 miles.
“The Lecomte has always been a popular early season prep for the horsemen and we wanted to provide the horses a longer run into the first turn,” Fair Grounds' racing secretary Scott Jones said. “The elongated distances of the Risen Star and Louisiana Derby will help differentiate our races from the other Kentucky Derby preps. We consulted with key participants from recent years, and they were in favor of the slight alterations.”
Fair Grounds will offer a total of 56 stakes worth $7.13 million during its upcoming meet, which opens Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28. The Mar. 21 Louisiana Derby card will feature eight stakes races worth $2.425 million.
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