Tarneema winning on second asking Feb. 9. (Hodges Photography)
• Apprentice Wellington Injured but “Will Be Back Soon”
• 3-Year-Old Standouts on the Worktab at Fair Grounds
• March Special Events at Fair Grounds
Fair Grounds Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, La. – Nominations for 17th running of the $100,000 Allen “Black Cat” LaCombe Memorial have closed with 16 3-year-olds. The filly counterpart to this Saturday’s Black Gold Stakes, the LaCombe will be run at about one mile on the Stall-Wilson turf course. Trainers Brad Cox, Joe Sharp, and Tom Amoss each submitted three nominees.
Shadwell Stable’s impressive last-out maiden winner Tarneema leads the trio nominated by Cox. Carl R. Moore Management’s Pink Polkadots has won both her career starts–two local gate-to-wire two-turn efforts on the grass–and was nominated by Sharp.
The full list of LaCombe nominees can be found at equibase here.
Apprentice Wellington Injured but “Will Be Back Soon”
Apprentice jockey Kylie Wellington suffered an injury on Thursday at Fair Grounds after being unseated on Awree (SCR), who flipped in back of the gate ahead of race 3.
“As many heard, I had a horse flip on me behind the gates before a race today. I have a displaced tibia fracture. It’s very unfortunate but I will recover and be back soon. Thanks everyone,” Wellington informed the public over social media.
Wellington has won 7 races from 106 starts in her first meet at Fair Grounds. The 23-year-old began her riding career in May of 2023, and in under a year’s time, she has a record of 273-29-25-34 with $526,214 in earnings.
3-Year-Old Standouts on the Worktab at Fair Grounds
Thursday, Feb. 28
Honor Marie worked four furlongs in 48.6 seconds. It was the 19th fastest of 95 works at the distance. This was his first work since he placed fifth in the Risen Star (G2) on Feb. 17 for trainer Whit Beckman. The Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) winner is targeting the $1 million Twinspires.com Louisiana Derby (G2) on March 23.
Also breezing for Beckman was Drip, going four furlongs in 48.4 seconds (ninth fastest of 95). The son of Good Magic won his debut effort at six furlongs on the Louisiana Derby Preview Day undercard.
The two-for-two 3-year-old Doncho worked four furlongs in 47.8 seconds, the second fastest of 95 works at the distance. This was his first work since his impressive allowance win going six furlongs on the main track on Feb. 13. Trainer Michelle Lovell reports the 7-furlong Lafayette has been circled for Doncho’s next start.
Friday, Feb. 29
Second last out in the Rachel Alexandra (G2), Intricate returned to the worktab for trainer Brendan Walsh, breezing a half-mile in :48 flat (3/95). Next up for the Golden Rod (G2) winner will likely be the Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) on March 23.
March Special Events at Fair Grounds
Wiener Dog Racing: On Saturday, March 2, Wiener Dog Racing returns to the Fair Grounds. Fifty dogs will race in four preliminary heats to qualify for the final heat to compete for top wiener. This event is presented by Double M Feed, Garden & Pet Supply. First post is 12:45 p.m. CT
Louisiana Derby Golf Tournament: On Monday, March 11 join members of the Fair Grounds racetrack community on the links for the Louisiana Derby Golf Tournament. Proceeds will benefit the Fair Grounds’ backstretch community. Door prizes will be available in addition to a raffle. Vendor partnerships are also available. Vendors, players, and partners should contact Stacy Repath via email or phone at (504) 312-8721 for more information.
Starlight Racing: On March 15, Starlight Racing is back at Fair Grounds with a 5pm first post. The Pontchartrain Wrecks will perform in the Tent from 6-10PM & The Phunky Monkeys will perform in the Clubhouse from 7-11PM. As always, General Admission is $10, and Clubhouse & Starlight Tent Admission is $25. Tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com
Louisiana Derby: The 111th $1 million Twinspires.com Louisiana Derby (G2) will be run on March 23. Louisiana Derby Day will feature eight stakes worth $2.65 million including the Fair Grounds Oaks presented by Fasig-Tipton (G2), the New Orleans Classic Presented by Relyne GI By Hagyard (G2), and the Muniz Memorial presented by Horse Racing Nation (G2). First post is noon.
Breast Cancer Second Line Benefiting the Shantel Lanerie Foundation: March 24th will mark the 2nd annual Breast Cancer Survivor and Memorial Second Line. The second line will take place after the last race. Participants can register online by clicking here. Adult $40; Kids $20
