Report: Churchill Downs won't commit to Fair Grounds dates

Churchill Downs Inc. said it is "unable and unwilling" to commit to 2025-26 dates approved for Fair Grounds unless the state addresses a ruling on historical horse-racing devices.

Daily Racing Form reported that the warning came as the Louisiana Racing Commission awarded traditional dates of Nov. 20 to April 9 for the New Orleans track.

CDI is seeking a deal to allow HHR at Fair Grounds and its 13 OTB parlors in the area after the Louisiana Supreme Court ruled in March that operation of the machines is illegal without local approval, according to the report.

CDI attorney Oz Sharif told the racing commission that revenue from HHR made up for losses from racing at Fair Grounds, according to the report. Slot machines and video-poker machines, which CDI also operates in Louisiana, remain legal.

The Louisiana legislature is in session until June 12, according to the report, and the racing commission scheduled a meeting for June 15 to discuss the issue.