2 days ago
Gayle Benson: 'To Our Knowledge' Fair Grounds 'Is Not For Sale'
Gayle Benson: 'To Our Knowledge' Fair Grounds 'Is Not For Sale' originally appeared on Paulick Report.
After news broke Tuesday that Churchill Downs, Inc. had sent a letter to the Louisiana State Racing Commission revealing its plan to 'begin the next steps' to relinquish its live racing license, several names were bandied about the public sphere as potential buyers for the Fair Grounds Racetrack in New Orleans.
According to among the names suggested was Gayle Benson. Benson is a prominent Thoroughbred owner via her G M B Racing, as well as the owner of the New Orleans Saints NFL team and Pelicans NBA team.
Advertisement
Benson issued a public statement via Saints and Pelicans executive Greg Bensel:
'With the recent news generated by Churchill Downs concerning their continued racing at Fair Grounds, we have had numerous calls regarding our interest in purchasing the Fair Grounds. Mrs. Benson continues to support the horse racing industry not only in Kentucky but more importantly here in Louisiana.
"She has always maintained a great relationship with the leadership at Churchill Downs and certainly has been monitoring this situation at the Fair Grounds. Her hope is that horse racing continues in New Orleans at the Fair Grounds and is prosperous and sustainable.
"It is an important and iconic industry that we cannot lose. To our knowledge, which is very limited relative to the operations of the Fair Grounds, it is not for sale. Our focus is on Saints minicamp and the upcoming NBA Draft.'
This story was originally reported by Paulick Report on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
