Texts & Updates
May 4, 2020
The HBPA board has been assured that the Governor's office will be approving spectator-free racing very soon. Your HBPA has been working diligently to achieve this outcome and getting back to racing. We thank the membership for your patience and perseverance during this time.
May 2, 2020
Please continue to exercise social distancing, avoid gatherings, and washing your hands. We are continuing our cleaning efforts to maintain the health and wellness of everyone here at FP. Please help us continue to keep everyone safe here and use safe cleaning practices.
We are all
in this together.
April 25, 2020
Training will be Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday starting this week.
April 24, 2020
Your HBPA has been working with the IL Dept. of Agriculture and other vital organizations to push for spectator free racing. The IL Dept. of Ag met with Governor Pritzker this week and we are awaiting a response from his office. As soon as we receive any information we will post an update. Thank You.
April 17, 2020
There will be NO training today. There WILL be training tomorrow. Thank You!
April 9, 2020
In these times of struggle, please be cautious to use less water and electricity in the barns when possible. We are all in this together.
Thank You.
April 7, 2020
Dale Holtmann from Scheffel-Boyle will be in the HBPA Office: Thursday, April 9 to answer questions and assist in helping horsemen figure out the Federal Small Business Loans/Grants/Info now available. Please stop by the HBPA Office to sign up.
April 3, 2020
Baker's Tack Shop will offer check cashing services to Backstretch Workers tomorrow:
April 4, 2020.
April 2, 2020
Per Security at FP:
With the "Stay at Home Order" from the Governor of our state, we must put into effect the same rule here. At this time there will be no more leaving Fairmount to race at another track to race until the order has been lifted.
If you are a horseman that has an area farm, you may still transport from here to that farm. We all understand the hardships this virus is causing, however anyone leaving will not be allowed back until the order is lifted.
March 27, 2020
The RICF and ILHBPA, through funding from Fairmount Park, has increased backstretch cleaning protocol and frequency to ensure the safety of our workers and families. Thank You for your assistance in keeping Fairmount healthy.
March 26, 2020
Starting Next Week:
Training Days will be Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Same training hours:
7am-11:30am with a break
from 9-9:30am
March 24, 2020
The HBPA Representatives just concluded a meeting with Fairmount Park management. We feel very positive about the outcome. A letter with details will be released today.
The joint statement from the ILHBPA & Fairmount Park management has been posted on our website: here
March 23, 2020
The HBPA and Fairmount Park management have a meeting tomorrow at 12pm. Updates to follow.
March 22, 2020
Management contacted Jim Watkins and advised that they wish us to vacate the premises in the near future. The ILHBPA Board has met via phone conference and will continue to explore options for the health and welfare of our backstretch workers and horses. We will have more information at end of business tomorrow.
March 20, 2020
Horses & Trainers that have NOT been previously stabled at Fairmount Park will NOT be allowed to enter Fairmount Park property at this time.
March 18, 2020
Training will be 5 days a week - No Training Wednesdays or Sundays. The Starting Gate will be open for schooling on Fridays and Saturdays. Updates will follow.
March 17, 2020
There will be pizza in the HBPA lounge for the horsemen TODAY at 11am. First come, first served. The Bowling Event will be rescheduled for a later date, updates will be posted.
March 16, 2020
Tuesday Racing: Licensed Personnel Only, please do NOT sign in any guests. There will be no concessions or mutuel clerks, you must have a TVG account to place bets. Thank You.
March 16, 2020
Live racing will be held as planned Tuesday, March 17 without spectators. Fairmount Park and all of its OTBs will remain closed to the public until
March 30, 2020. Only licensed individuals will be allowed on the track during the race and in the following days to care, maintain and train horses. Racing will tentatively resume March 31, 2020
March 13, 2020
The ILHBPA and Fairmount Park, after meeting this morning, agreed to race this Tuesday: March 17.
Up to 9 races based on the number of entries received. We will enter Saturday, March 14th for racing Tuesday, March 17th. Racing will be spectator free and Licensed Personnel Only.
March 13, 2020
The HBPA will be meeting with the Fairmount Park Management today at 1-am to explore options and we will report back to the horsemen.
Thank You.
March 12, 2020
Fairmount Park, after consulting the Governor's Office, has made the decision on temporarily cancel Live Racing until further notice. Horsemen will meet with FP to discuss options moving forward, including possibly making up lost race dates after the scheduled end of meet, Sept. 7th.
March 11, 2020
There have been multiple incidents of copper theft on the back side. If you have any information, please contact Fairmount Park Security. FP Security will increase patrols to prevent further issues and hopefully locate those responsible. Please be vigilant.
Thank You.
March 10, 2020
Per the Electricians:
Workers will be replacing the blown transformer at the end of Hospital Barn nearest the track on Wednesday morning DURING training hours. Please plan accordingly.
March 6, 2020
Reuseable, Laminated Security Stall Signs are Available in the
HBPA Office with complimentary dry-erase markers. Please stop in to get yours!
March 4, 2020
Horses must race in the same equipment used in the previous start (ie: blinkers), unless they have gotten an equipment change card from the starter.
March 3, 2020
Track will close today at 10am for Track Maintenance. There will be training tomorrow, Wednesday, March 4th. Normal Hours.
March 2, 2020
Per Stewards, Security Signs are required before State Vet or Lasix time for all entered horses beginning opening day. Temporary signs are available now in the HBPA office and Laminated signs will be available within a few days.
March 1, 2020
New Training Hours:
7am - 11:30am, break from 9-9:30am.
Tuesdays & Saturdays (Race Days will NOT have a break) hours will be 7am - 10:30am.