Ever since New Orleanians learned about betting on horses, the city has been home to racetracks, like this one, the Fair Grounds Race Course. The Fair Grounds, recently bought by the Churchill Downs Company, opened in 1872 on the site of a prior course. It’s the third oldest track in America. The gatehouse on Gentilly Boulevard is an historic landmark. The track hosts a full card of thoroughbred racing from Thanksgiving Day to Easter. Heading to the track on Thanksgiving Day is as much a local holiday tradition as turkey and pumpkin pie. The Fair Grounds might be better known as the site of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, held in late April and early May.