Fairmount Park Horse Racing Live Cam

Fairmount Park Horse Racing, also known as Fairmount Park Race Track, was a prominent horse racing venue located in Collinsville, Illinois, just east of St. Louis, Missouri. It operated for over nine decades and held both thoroughbred and harness racing events.

Fairmount Park Race Track opened its doors on September 28, 1925, and quickly became a popular destination for horse racing enthusiasts in the Midwest. The track was named after the nearby Fairmount Park, which is known for its scenic beauty. Initially, Fairmount Park focused on harness racing, featuring Standardbred horses pulling lightweight buggies and drivers.

In the late 1940s, Fairmount Park introduced thoroughbred racing, expanding its offerings and attracting a wider audience. Thoroughbred racing involves horses ridden by jockeys, and it brought a new level of excitement to the track. Over the years, Fairmount Park hosted numerous prestigious thoroughbred races, including the St. Louis Derby and the Illinois Derby.

During its heyday, Fairmount Park was known for its vibrant racing scene and attracted notable horses, trainers, and jockeys. The track was renowned for its scenic views and the challenging nature of its course, which added to the thrill of the races. In addition to horse racing, Fairmount Park also featured various entertainment activities, such as live music performances and dining options, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.

However, like many other horse racing venues across the United States, Fairmount Park faced challenges in recent years. The track struggled with declining attendance and wagering revenues, which led to financial difficulties. Efforts were made to revitalize the track and attract a broader audience, including the introduction of off-track betting facilities and simulcasting, allowing visitors to wager on races held at other tracks. These efforts aimed to generate additional revenue and maintain the viability of the track.

Historical Facts

• Opening: Fairmount Park Race Track opened on September 28, 1925, in Collinsville, Illinois, near St. Louis, Missouri.
• Initial Focus: The track initially focused on harness racing, featuring Standardbred horses and lightweight buggies driven by drivers.
• Thoroughbred Racing: Thoroughbred racing was introduced at Fairmount Park in the late 1940s, expanding the track's offerings and attracting a wider audience.
• Prestigious Races: Fairmount Park hosted several prestigious races, including the St. Louis Derby and the Illinois Derby. These races attracted notable horses, trainers, and jockeys.
• Scenic Beauty: The track was named after the nearby Fairmount Park, known for its scenic beauty. The picturesque surroundings added to the appeal of the races.
• Entertainment Activities: Fairmount Park Race Track offered more than just horse racing. It provided various entertainment activities, such as live music performances and dining options, creating a lively and festive atmosphere for visitors.
• Challenges: Like many horse racing venues, Fairmount Park faced challenges in recent years, including declining attendance and wagering revenues.
• Revitalization Efforts: To address the challenges, Fairmount Park implemented various measures, including the introduction of off-track betting facilities and simulcasting, which allowed visitors to wager on races held at other tracks.
• Legacy: Fairmount Park Race Track operated for over nine decades and left a lasting legacy as a popular horse racing venue in the Midwest.

Geography

Fairmount Park Horse Racing, also known as Fairmount Park Race Track, is located in Collinsville, Illinois, in the United States. Collinsville is a city in Madison County, Illinois, and it is situated just east of St. Louis, Missouri. The race track is conveniently located near major transportation routes, making it easily accessible to visitors from both Illinois and Missouri.

Fairmount Park Race Track occupies a sprawling area of land, offering ample space for the horse racing facility and its associated amenities. The track is situated within the larger Fairmount Park, which is known for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. The park encompasses a significant area of woodlands, lakes, and open spaces, creating a picturesque backdrop for the horse racing events.

• Fairmount Park Race Track
• 9301 Collinsville Rd,
• Collinsville, IL 62234