Few changes to Fair Grounds stake schedule

Fair Grounds on Thursday released a stakes schedule for its 2017-2018 race meet that looks very much like the 2016-2017 stakes schedule at the historic New Orleans track.

This season’s schedule includes 57 stakes worth $6.69 million; last season, there were 60 stakes worth $6.79 million.

Three minor races were dropped from the schedule – the $50,000 Keith Gee Memorial, $50,000 Spanky Broussard Memorial, and the $40,000 Mississippi Owners Stake. The only other change from last season was a $25,000 boost for the Mineshaft Handicap and the Fair Grounds Handicap, both of which now are worth $150,000.

The Mineshaft and Fair Grounds are part of Louisiana Derby Preview Day, set for Feb. 18, 2018. Louisiana Derby Day, featuring the $1 million Louisiana Derby, falls early next year on March 24. Road to the Derby Kickoff Day, featuring the Lecomte Stakes and the Silverbulletday Stakes, is Jan. 13. Louisiana Champions Day is set for Dec. 9.

The 2017-2018 Fair Grounds meet runs from Nov. 18 through March 31.