Report: Louisiana officials, Fair Grounds discuss future of track

Churchill Downs, Inc. is in talks with Louisiana officials about an agreement to continue horse racing at Fair Grounds. These talks followed an announcement Wednesday by CDI that it was "left with no choice" but to surrender its Fair Grounds licenses after a March Louisiana Supreme Court ruling that historical horse racing machines required local approval.

The talks were reported by Matt Hegarty of Daily Racing Form, who reported that CDI officials were in "active discussions" with racing commissioners and horsemen. Hegarty reported that some officials close to the parties said Thursday evening and Friday morning that discussions were nearing a resolution, though those officials spoke to Hegarty anonymously in order to avoid disruption in the negotiations.

Thursday, the Louisiana legislature passed a bill naming Fair Grounds to the state's historic site registry. With that designation, demolition or change of use will require legislative approval.

In addition to the ongoing talks, Hegarty reported that Stephen Landry, executive director of the Louisiana racing commission, expects to schedule a meeting by the end of next week to discuss the intentions of Churchill Downs with respect to Fair Grounds and racing in Louisiana.