At the midpoint of the 154th Thoroughbred racing season at the Fairgrounds Racetrack & Slots in New Orleans, Louisiana, a familiar figure leads the standings as of January 24th. Trainer Joe Sharp is currently topping the charts with 23 wins from 100 races, building on the momentum from his first local leading trainer title earned last season.
In the jockey rankings, Jose Ortiz and Paco Lopez are tied for the lead, each with 37 wins. Ortiz is returning as the defending riding champion, while Lopez continues to show steady success in his initial local campaign. Among owners, Calumet Farm, Earl J. Hernandez, Keith J. Hernandez, and John Duviere share the top spot, each with six wins.
Jockey Jareth Loveberry, known for his strong presence both nationally and at the Fairgrounds since 2021, has been named one of five finalists for the prestigious 77th George Wolfe Memorial Jockey Award. This honor, one of the sport’s most respected, celebrates riders who have distinguished themselves through their professional achievements and personal character. The winners will be announced this March.
As the season progresses toward the late winter stakes schedule, competition among trainers, jockeys, and owners remains intense. Louisiana Derby Preview Day is set for Saturday, February 14th, with nominations closing on January 31st. The event will feature key races such as the $500,000 Fasig-Tipton Risen Star Stakes (1 1/8 miles) and the $300,000 Fasig-Tipton Rachel Alexandra Stakes (1 1/16 miles), both crucial prep races on the road to the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks. Other notable stakes include the $250,000 Mineshaft Stakes sponsored by Hagyard’s Reline, the $175,000 Fairgrounds Stakes on turf supported by Horse Racing Nation, the $100,000 Albert M. Stoll Memorial Stakes on turf for fillies and mares, and the $100,000 Kernel Power stakes on turf.
In addition to live racing action, the Fairgrounds has announced several fan-centered events through mid-March:
- January 31 at 12:45 pm — Exotic Animal Races/University Day
- February 14 at 12 pm — Louisiana Derby Preview Day and Breast Cancer Awareness Event
- February 28 at 12:45 pm — Wiener Dog Race
- March 14 at 3 pm — Clash of the Colleges Twilight Race
This article originally appeared in the Paulick Report on January 25, 2026, in the News section.
Fan Take: This update highlights the rising stars and competitive spirit fueling the Fairgrounds season, reinforcing Louisiana’s growing importance in the national racing circuit. For fans, the upcoming stakes and spirited contests signal an exciting lead-up to the Kentucky Derby, promising thrilling moments and emerging talent that could shape the sport’s future.
