User:Fgmuseum

When the first race was run on the site where Fair Grounds sits today in the mid-city area of New Orleans, Millard Filmore was President of the United States. That was in 1852, and Fair Grounds was known as Union Race Course. In 1872, the Metairie Association abandoned racing at the legendary Metairie Race Course and transferred racing to Fair Grounds where they formed the Louisiana Jockey Club. Since its beginnings, Fair Grounds, as it came to be known just after the Civil War, endured the adversities of changing ownerships, wars, floods, fires, epidemics, hurricanes, economic hardships, racing prohibitions, all forms of gaming, and politics. Thus, Fair Grounds is the oldest site of racing in America still in operation. The Fair Grounds Racing Hall of Fame honors those individuals who have influenced Fair Grounds and horse racing in unique and profound ways. From Duncan Kenner, a founding father of American racing, to Pan Zareta, who is still the undeniable Queen of the Turf, to Bill Shoemaker, a legend in his own time, Fair Grounds has a rich and colorful history that is preserved and perpetuated in the Hall of Fame. The Fair Grounds Racing Hall of Fame is operated by the Fair Grounds Racing Museum and is located on the west side of the second floor of Fair Grounds' grandstand.