fairmont park

[mightyhijames]

i don't anything about this track, i'm assuming it's along the lines of charlestown? i'm just curious as to the caliber of horses that run there.

[CA Michael]

It's a beautiful little track nestled in the Illinois farmland about 15 miles or so east of St. Louis, MO. I've been there on four or five occasions to buy broodmare prospects and, other than a few days of stifling humidity, really enjoyed myself. They usually race at night which makes for a more festive atmosphere. At one point they offered pony rides for the kids, but not sure if that still happens (what a great idea tho!)

I believe the most recent Illinois racing legislation gave some financial relief to the track management. This will lead to an increase in purse levels, always a welcome event.

They run claimers from $3000 to $20,000 or so, lots of them bred locally and/or ship ins from Arlington and the smaller regional tracks. Allowance level pots are in the $10,000 range. Their stakes schedule is primarily geared towards state breds.

[mightyhijames]

At one point they offered pony rides for the kids, but not sure if that still happens (what a great idea tho!)

thanks for the info.

pimlico and laurel have monthly pony pals days that offers a free tour of the backstretch, complete w/breakfast at the track kitchen, and adult admission for afternoon racing, which includes an array of kid things like pony rides, face painting, petting zoo, etc. i haven't been for a few years but it was always packed when i did go w/my kids.

[tammysinnett]

Let me know if you have a horse going there would love to go watch!!!I live here in Illinois and have been to Fairmount. The atmosphere is nice and when you go back in the barns the horses all look well taken care of....there is one area thats a little rough but all the stalls were occupied so they must be ok. Canter works heavily with that track and may be able to give you some good info. I believe Kelly is her name. Keep in contact if your bringing any to Illinois....

[ckck94]

I read that Lawyer Ron will be making his return at Fairmount in the St Louis Derby on Aug 26.

[capttim]

I have a 2 yo colt that is in training there under Mike Nance, and my daughter Jockey Bacarra Rice has been racing there. The colt is "Fiddle For A Buck" (Buckpasser line) and hope he does well. Still waiting for his knees to close, so might not run at Fairmont this season. We will wait til he starts breezing to see where we will run him, as he seems to be a turf horse.