Texts & Updates
August 4, 2020
There will be IRB Personnel on the grounds today to verify our compliance with the New Racing Protocols. Please be sure you have your masks, are social distancing and following rules in the paddock as well. If you need a mask, you can get them at the guard shack and in the HBPA Office. Thank You for your continued cooperation.
July 23. 2020
Sheila Maupin, wife of Trainer Jim Maupin has passed away. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the Maupins. Obituary information Here
July 20, 2020
Reminder: Only Grooms and Trainers are allowed in the Paddock. Please continue to observe the COVID-19 safety protocols with masks and social distancing. Thank you for your continued cooperation during this trying time.
July 16, 2020
Please continue to be using masks, social distancing and other safety precautions to keep yourselves and each other safe. The health and safety of our horsemen is our priority as we continue navigating this pandemic together. Thank you for your continued cooperation in these safety efforts to keep us all healthy.
July 14, 2020
Our Fairmount Park community lost a great man with the passing of long time trainer and horseman Jim Childers. Our deepest sympathy goes out to the Childers Family and to all who knew him and loved him. 🙏🏻
July 9, 2020
Trainer Jim Childers and his wife were in an auto accident yesterday. Mr. Childers is in the hospital having surgery today. Our thoughts are with the Childers family and Jim's speedy recovery!
July 6, 2020
Training Hours Starting July 7, 2020:
6:30am - 11am
Break from 8:30a - 9a
July 2, 2020
We have learned that the assistant Racing Secretary, Darrel Cassity suffered a stroke. We would like to express our concern and wishes for a speedy recovery. Please keep Darrel in your thoughts.
June 28, 2020
Please be sure to wear your masks, social distance and use your Security Stall Signs tomorrow and Tuesday. More signs will be available at the guard shack if you do not have any.
June 23, 2020
Congratulations to Lori "Sis" Plasters on her First Career Training Victory yesterday!
June 22, 2020
The License Office will be open this week:
Tuesday from 12-6
Wednesday from 9-3
June 22, 2020
Per the Stewards: The Security Stall Signs will be being checked for today and tomorrow's races. If you do not have a laminated stall sign, please get one from the guard shack. Thank You.
June 14, 2020
The Thurman Family lost their entire barn and three young horses last night in a fire at their farm. Our thoughts are with them at this time.
June 8, 2020
We are so glad to be back to racing tomorrow,
Good Luck Horsemen!
Please remember your masks, gloves and social distancing. The License Office will be open tomorrow from 11a-4p.
Programs, masks and gloves are available in the HBPA Office. Be safe!
June 7, 2020
Please be advised: All New Rules in Place for Spectator-Free Racing Must Be Strictly Adhered To. We asked to race spectator-free and the IRB and Governor's office released rules that we are obligated to follow.
If you are an owner that works with your horse, you must obtain a groom's license to do so in addition to your owner's license. We understand that the strict guidelines in place are not favorable, but a current and temporary requirement before we can return to our normal routines. The License Office will be open Monday, Thuesday, and Wednesday this week. Thank You for your cooperation.
June 6, 2020
Training Days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
7a - 11:30a
Break from 9a - 9:30a
June 5, 2020
The Condition Sheets are available in the HBPA office.
June 5, 2020
The IRB has approved Fairmount Park's requested racing dates. License office will be open Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday this week. Hours TBA.
June 4, 2020
We are adding a training day to this week:
Tomorrow, Friday June 5th. The track WILL BE OPEN Friday, June 5th. and Saturday, June 6th for training. Thank You.
June 3, 2020
The HBPA and RICF delivered educational information to those living on the backside today. We will hand out more detailed safety changes by the end of the week. If you would like copies of the information handed out, please ask Alyssa in the HBPA Office or Isabel in the medical trailer.
May 29, 2020
The HBPA met with the Fairmount Park management team this morning. We will be reconvening this afternoon at 3pm working out details for our return to racing spectator-free. Information will follow as it is finalized. Thank you for your patience.
May 27, 2020
Your HBPA is very pleased to announce that Live Racing will return to Fairmount Park!
Thanks to the efforts of the Illinois Department of Agriculture working with the Governor's office, we have gained approval to return to spectator-free racing. A special thanks to Fairmount Park ownership for agreeing to the funding of spectator-free racing. More details to follow, racing could resume as early as June 1st. Fairmount Park and the HBPA will be working out final details and the updates will be forthcoming.
May 19, 2020
Training Scheduled for next week: (5/25-5/30) No training Monday, May 25 for Memorial Day.
We will be training Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday normal hours. Gates will be open Tuesday and Wednesday.
May 19, 2020
Your HBPA team continues to monitor the Governor's stance on returning to racing. Racing was mentioned in yesterday's press conference but no details or timelines were given. The Governor's inaction is inexplicable.
May 13, 2020
Yesterday's rally was over 100 cars and about 400 people showing support and gaining attention for our cause! Thank You!! The participation for this rally shows the support and resilience of our racing family here at Fairmount. Thank you for all of your continued efforts. Stay safe! We hope to get you more good news soon!
May 12, 2020
Please join us at 1pm in the parking lot at Fairmount Park to begine the rally parade through Collinsville. We hope to show support for horse racing and rally attention to our need for racing to resume. Please bring signs, drive in the parade, and wear a mask. The news station will be her to make our efforts more public. Please join us!
May 11, 2020
Starting Monday, May 18: The Starting Gate will be open Mondays & Tuesdays
from 9:30a-11:30am
May 11, 2020
There will be a Rally Parade tomorrow at 1pm starting in the Fairmount Park parking lot and traveling through downtown Collinsville to bring attention tot he need for racing at Fairmount. Any/All horsemen and participants are welcome to join. Please make signs and drive in the parade to show your support with us! We will be wearing masks and s ocial distancing, so please be safe. We hope to see you tomorrow!
May 8, 2020
Horse Shipping to Churchill Downs must have a vet exam within 3 days of entering a race. Entries will NOT be accepted without this exam. Thank You.
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.