'Tastings at the Track' Return May 17

NEW ORLEANS (Tuesday, April 17, 2012) - Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, located at 1751 Gentilly Blvd., kicks off its 2012 "Tastings at the Track" wine tasting series on May 17, a Thursday, from 6 to 8 p.m., with "Springtime Sippers - Elegant Reds, Lively Whites & Delightful Rosés." Held in partnership with Dorignac's Food Center, this reception-style tasting will feature 30 fine wines from around the world. Cost to attend is $25 per person. Tickets are available at Dorignac's (710 Veterans Blvd in Metairie) and, if not sold out, will be available at the door.

Held in Fair Grounds' 4^th floor Clubhouse, the sampling will also feature a selection of gourmet cheeses and experts who will answer wine-related questions. For more information, visit www.fairgroundsracecourse.com or call 504-948-1285.

NOTE: Guests must be at least 21 years old to attend.

Upcoming wine tastings include: "A Taste of South America: The Best of Argentina and Chile" on June 21 and "Super Sparklers: Top-Notch Sparkling Wines from the U.S., Italy and Spain" on July 19. Both Thursday evening tastings will feature 30 wines and cost $25 per person.

Fair Grounds will host monthly "Tastings at the Tracks" through November. Future dates and themes will be announced as they're available.

About Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots
Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, the nation's third-oldest racetrack, has been in operation since 1872. Located in New Orleans, Fair Grounds is owned by Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN); it also operates a slot-machine gaming facility and 10 off-track betting parlors throughout southeast Louisiana. The fourth Summer Quarter Horse Meet runs August 15 through September 1. The 141^st Thoroughbred Racing Season runs Thanksgiving Day, November 22, through March 31, 2013, highlighted by the milestone 100^th running of the $1 million Louisiana Derby for Kentucky Derby hopefuls on March 30, 2013. More information can be found online at www.FairGroundsRaceCourse.com.

-FG-