For a century, Fairmount Park has defied the odds to remain a vibrant hub for horse racing. Since its inception on September 26, 1925, this small track in Collinsville, Illinois, has faced numerous challenges, including financial constraints and fierce competition. Unlike larger tracks with casino revenue streams, Fairmount relied heavily on community support and dedicated stakeholders. Now, under new ownership by Accel Entertainment, Fairmount is poised for growth, with significant investments planned for both racing and gaming facilities. The track’s reversion to its original name, Fairmount Park, symbolizes a fresh start, promising improved race purses and enhanced fan experiences.
Despite the odds stacked against it, Fairmount Park has consistently managed to thrive through sheer determination. Jim Watkins, president of the Illinois HBPA, highlights the unwavering loyalty of horsemen who have supported the track over the years. Their resilience has paid off as the track enters its centennial year under Accel Entertainment, which acquired it from FanDuel. This acquisition marks a turning point, as Accel plans to invest $25 million into racetrack-related projects, focusing not only on expanding gaming operations but also enhancing the racing experience.
Vince Gabbert, Fairmount's general manager, emphasizes the new ownership's commitment to improving both aspects of the business. Having previously served as vice president of strategic initiatives and legislative affairs at Keeneland, Gabbert brings valuable insights to his role. He notes that Accel's leadership conducted extensive evaluations and visited various tracks across the country, drawing inspiration particularly from Oaklawn Park. Their vision includes integrating gaming and racing seamlessly, aiming to replicate Oaklawn's successful model.
The immediate future holds promise with the opening of a temporary casino within the grandstand, followed by construction of a permanent facility post-meet in mid-November. Once operational, these enhancements are expected to boost daily purses significantly, potentially reaching $250,000 per day within five years. Such increases would stabilize the number of race days annually between 50-60, providing greater opportunities for participants and spectators alike.
Gabbert attributes much of Fairmount's enduring success to its loyal local fan base. Situated approximately 10 miles from St. Louis, the track enjoys robust community support, evident even during weekdays when attendance rivals or surpasses that of larger tracks on peak days. This steadfast backing bolsters optimism regarding Fairmount's long-term viability.
As Scott Becker, top trainer at Fairmount, observes, the new management intends to elevate the quality of races offered. Plans include introducing fixed-odds wagering and collaborating with other regional tracks like Hawthorne and Canterbury Park to establish a three-track circuit. These innovations aim to attract broader audiences while maintaining the unique charm of smaller-scale racing.
This centennial year kicks off with renewed vigor, featuring races every Tuesday and Saturday until November 16. Among the highlights will be the prestigious St. Louis Derby on September 19, boasting a purse of $250,000. With such ambitious plans underway, Fairmount Park stands ready to celebrate not just its past century but also an exciting future filled with possibilities.
