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As the 94th season at Fairmount Park arrives, track president Brian Zander wants to be confident.
The park, in Collinsville, opens Tuesday at 1 p.m. and will run through Sept. 14 with a Tuesday and Saturday schedule. Zander has no reason to believe that will change.
An unsuccessful battle to bring slot machines and video gaming to Illinois race tracks continues to make the future tenuous. But Zander, who has been on the job since 1986, has been through this for more years than he’d like to remember. […]
Trips to Springfield, Ill., to work on legislative efforts that could boost the track are now routine. Fairmount continues to offer live simulcasts and wagering on races at other tracks to generate more revenue.
And the track will continue to offer the usual promotions that have been successful, with Tuesday “Horse Hookie” and Saturday “Party in the Park.”
“From that standpoint we’re doing great,” Zander said. “But we’re competing with other tracks in other states that have slots and gaming, and we simply lack that in terms of generating money for purses. That’s what horse owners have to be driven toward. We’re running behind and need to catch up.”
* The Question: When was the last time you were at a horse racing track and, if you’ve been to one, how was the experience?
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 2:19 pm
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Probably 30 years ago when I lived near one. Just doesn’t interest me.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 2:24 pm
At least 10 years ago, and only because my father-in-law wanted to go to Arlington Park. Horse racing doesn’t interest me at all.
Comment by Northsider Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 2:25 pm
My grandfather took me to Arlington park when I was 12 or so. My pick Sporty McGee finished third. That was in 1961. Obviously very memorable
Comment by very old soil Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 2:27 pm
I went to one Horse Hookie Tuesday last summer and it was a surprisingly good time. I was impressed with the size of the crowd for a Tuesday afternoon. It would be interesting to see how video gaming would benefit such tracks.
Comment by SouthernIL Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 2:28 pm
I used to go to Arlington with a crew of friends a few times a year BC (before children) so that has to be pushing 27 years ago now.
Magnificent beasties, nice venue (thank you, Illinois taxpayers). I’ll likely go back one of these days and bet small. Train drops you off right there.
The only negative I had was that I hit pretty good at the window my first time out, so I thought I knew what I was doing. Every subsequent visit proved that I did not.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 2:29 pm
About 8 years ago. I don’t have much interest in driving at least 90 miles to watch the horses and after Illinois decided to cut purses the Grand Circuit horses stopped making their appearances at the State Fair.
Comment by Give Me A Break Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 2:33 pm
My last visit to Fairmount Park was during one of their special promotional nights about five or six years ago. It was a lot of fun. I should go back.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 2:34 pm
I go 4 to 5 times a year. Use to be more but when Balmoral and Maywood closed that wiped out a lot of night time racing. And of course the fair
Comment by Been There Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 2:36 pm
When I lived in Downtown Chicago, I’d occasionally go to the State St. OTB. Got tired of people bumming smokes off me at the $2 windows, though.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 2:36 pm
Summer of 1990. Canterbury Downs in Minnesota.
Comment by Nick Name Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 2:37 pm
Fairmount, Sportsmans, and Hawthorne to see the horses I worked at the owner’s farm race. But that was when I was much younger:) All Illinois bred Thoroughbreds. Best day was when one came in 2nd.
Comment by Anon221 Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 2:37 pm
Closest I ever got was as a kid fishing at the Izak Walton in Homewood way back in the . . . let’s never mind when, okay? There was a track nearby (can’t remember its name) and we could hear the loudspeakers. Just hasn’t ever interested me.
Comment by Flapdoodle Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 2:41 pm
I normally take my neighbor to “Horse Hookie” Tuesday at Faimount several times a year. Always a great time. This is actually a fairly inexpensive and enjoyable afternoon.
Unfortunately, my neighbor always insists on going to the Casino Queen after the racetrack. That is not a big thrill for me, but to each his own.
Comment by illini Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 2:42 pm
Never, although my family used to own race horses, which they race at a Louisiana track (the family ranch was in Texas).
Although I loved being around the animals, I never had any great desire to see them race. Instead, I treated them like very large dogs.
Comment by Gooner Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 2:45 pm
I visited Arlington in 1988 just before I moved to central Illinois. I enjoyed the races, but didn’t bet since I thought the instructions were confusing. I am not a gambler anyway so adding slots or other games wouldn’t be a draw for me.
Comment by A Jack Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 2:45 pm
–When I lived in Downtown Chicago, I’d occasionally go to the State St. OTB. Got tired of people bumming smokes off me at the $2 windows, though.–
A buddy of mine ran the bar and grill there for a couple of years, so I used to go and drink draft beer for free.
They had a jacket and tie requirement to get upstairs. Some wild Salvation Army combos from some of the hang-arounders.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 2:46 pm
About 3 years ago, in Iowa. It was enjoyable for something different and we’ll likely go again but haven’t yet. Didn’t bet/lose much, iirc.
Comment by XonXoff Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 2:48 pm
I’ve been a very infrequent OTB patron, usually when i have a good tip, which isn’t often. But now I live vicariously through Jimmy Cauley, who married well and has his very own Triple Crown ring. When he picks a horse, I place a bet. So far, so good.
Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 2:52 pm
Went to Arlington in maybe 1976 with some folks from work. We had a great time but I would never go to a track on my own. Went to a dog track in Kenosha (I think) with somebody I was dating in the 90’s and that was fun too. But really, I don’t regard these things as very humane. And I don’t gamble at all; my humble investments require all the nerve I have, which isn’t much.
Comment by Excessively Rabid Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 2:52 pm
==When I lived in Downtown Chicago, I’d occasionally go to the State St. OTB. Got tired of people bumming smokes off me at the $2 windows, though. ==
I didn’t know Obama liked the horses.
Comment by Gruntled University Employee Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 2:52 pm
Went to Kentucky Derby back in 93. Horses were part of the event. Not a good enough time to go back.
Comment by Last Bull Moose Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 2:55 pm
Last time was Arlington in the late 90’s. It was fun.
Most memorable - Jimi Hendrix concert at a Florida racetrack (dog track?) in the 1960’s/70’s. Can’t remember which one. He was playing electric guitar in the rain - crazy.
Comment by TinyDancer(FKASue) Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 2:57 pm
===Not a good enough time to go back===
I met Ice T at the Derby. Highlight of my day. But I, like you, haven’t been back.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 2:58 pm
Never. Rather lose my money playing poker…and I haven’t played poker in 10 years.
Comment by Bogey Golfer Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 2:59 pm
I go to an outing once a year at Arlington with old friends. The number of horses racing in each race has diminished greatly. I would like to see the tracks across the state have gambling priveleges. Not only the slots, but put a sports book in each one. They employ a good number of people, and while not always glamorous work, can we afford to lose those jobs? I don’t think it’s a hard decision.
Also, Arlington is a great facility. It would be sad to see it fail.
Comment by SSL Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 3:02 pm
===I used to go to Arlington===
I went to the Million once. After-race crowd was so large at the Metra station I thought I was gonna get pushed under the train. Had a good time otherwise, but didn’t win much. Got to hang out a bit with Roe Conn. Dude knows how to bet. Or, at least, he did that day.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 3:03 pm
…And I’m pretty sure that concludes all my track stories, other than that time I went to a fundraiser at Balmoral Park and didn’t watch a single race.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 3:05 pm
Haven’t been in a long, long time. Went with my father a few times when I was younger. But while I love horses, horse racing was never the same after Ruffian. Broke my heart.
Comment by Mr. Smith Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 3:05 pm
I visited once as a part of a legislative tour about twelve years ago to explain to us the importance of state funding for this “vital” industry. That was my first and only visit.
Comment by Just Me 2 Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 3:08 pm
When I was 17 I went with a few friends to an off-track facility…that visit did not last long.
Comment by NIU Grad Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 3:10 pm
College boyfriend’s parents had a Derby Box. I couldn’t tell you a thing about the races, but we were sitting in front of Walter Cronkite who was next to ZZ Top.
Comment by Cheryl44 Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 3:12 pm
===There was a track nearby (can’t remember its name===
Washington Park. Burned down in the 70’s or early 80’s.
Comment by Been There Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 3:12 pm
Went to the last night at Maywood. Brought wife and son. My son met a little girl about his age (4 or 5 yrs old) at time. They played and played, then sat down next to each other at a picnic table to watch the race. Cutest thing ever. Ordered some chocolate pudding, it had mold on it though. Which brings me to the life lesson I learned that night, don’t order the chocolate pudding at a racetrack that is about to close. lol
Comment by g Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 3:13 pm
I make it to Hawthorne at least once a year. Really see any rail birds younger than me, and I’m 50.
Comment by BC Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 3:16 pm
- Flapdoodle -
It was Washington Park. Burned down late 76 early 77. “All At Once” if you know what I mean.
RWP
Comment by RWP Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 3:18 pm
I went with to Arlington Park with my wife and some friends two years ago. We had a nice enough time, but not nice enough that I wanted to go back. Still, if you avoid the overpriced food and the premium parking and the, uh, gambling, it’s pretty affordable entertainment in nice surroundings.
Comment by Benjamin Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 3:18 pm
* rarely not really
Comment by BC Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 3:29 pm
Go to Arlington every year with my family. The kids love the horses in their colors and silks in the paddock area. The jockeys are friendly too. The Park is generally clean and it’s an affordable Sunday afternoon with the family.
Comment by Minnie Pearl Jam Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 3:33 pm
Hadn’t been for over 25 years and then last year went for a GOP event, and then a week later for Father’s Day at Arlington. Let others bet for me who weren’t nearly as good at losing my money as I am. Loved being with the kids. The horses were beautiful. The dudes who tarry the horses/riders out (I’m sure there’s really a name for that important job) couldn’t have been nicer bringing the horses over for the grandkids to pet on the nose. Nice time. Haven’t been back since. One of my kids loves the brunch there. Who knew? Apparently a lot of people.
Comment by A guy Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 3:42 pm
2012 for a regular race day and The Million in about 1991. they are beautiful to watch and I don’t bet. I’m conflicted because the care of the horses is in real doubt in my mind. the story about the deaths of multiple horses over some weeks in California at, I believe, Santa Anita has really made me think. I am a very Derby hat kinda gal and those hats are a regular part of my summer gear so that part is fun. But, conflicted. Horses first. all else after.
Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 3:47 pm
Last weekend at Keeneland. Boutique track in Lexington. Any day at Keeneland is a good day.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 3:54 pm
The race tracks are only part of the horse racing story. A tremendous amount of labor and capital is required to put on the show. The sights, the sounds and even the smells are majestic, fascinating, and unique. Illinois horse racing has fallen on hard times; hopefully better times are “spinning out of the turn.“
Comment by T Brady Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 3:54 pm
Aurora Downs…..bet $2 won $8….quit while I was ahead…..some year before they closed in 1981.
Comment by wondering Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 3:57 pm
Started going to Arlington eons ago. With family living nearby it was a natural preoccupation. My parents and their friends always enjoyed it so much we had my dad’s funeral luncheon there.
Ditto to Anonymous - Keeneland is a hoot - coats and ties for the men, dresses for the women and a heall of a food and drink spread.
Comment by Wylie Coyote Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 4:02 pm
When we ventured to fairmount, used to go to a saloon down the road called ardie and tinys. Classic joint. Keeneland is the place to go for races.
Comment by Woodstock willy Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 4:14 pm
Went to Churchill Downs on a tour through Louisville but no racing was happening.
Never been to a real horserace before. I went with my folks to a greyhound track in Wisconsin as a kid to teach me gambling was bad or something. But then my parents agreed to put a $1 on my library card number 7-5-3 and it was a winner. so I didn’t learn gambling was bad but I did feel bad seeing how the animals were treated so never felt the urge to go back to a track.
with video gaming, I can’t imagine tracks will gain a lot of customers adding slots now. man do I hate what this state did with gambling under quinn. put a casino in every small town bar in illinois just to avoid putting one in downtown chicago.
the only thing I think could get new folks to racetracks is letting them open their own sportsbooks.
Comment by hisgirlfriday Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 4:29 pm
7 to 12 times a year. Enjoy Arlington
and Hawthorne.
Comment by Back to the Future Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 4:41 pm
Fun place to go.but if the tracks don’t get help from the state in the way of gaming they can not survive.That would mean not only the loss of gaming revenue.But also a big loss in local revenue and job’s.But big losses in the agriculture Dept through out the whole state.Help the tracks help the state.🐴🐴🐴
Comment by Big horse Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 5:02 pm
Last time was with Grad school class reunion about 4 years ago. It was a beautiful day at Arlington Park and we had a ball. The lower boxes made it easy to both see and stand around and mix and schmooze in between races.
Comment by Responsa Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 5:13 pm
Quad Cities Downs when it still had live harness racing, so… around 1990, I think?
Comment by RIJ Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 5:20 pm
In the spring of 2001, I turned around in the parking lot at Arlington Park.
Haven’t been back since.
– MrJM
Comment by @misterjayem Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 7:08 pm
Been a couple of decades. My dad took me all the time to Cahokia and Fairmont. I learned how to bet, read stats and visited stables.
Comment by Generic Drone Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 7:20 pm
I went to Arlington last summer. It was pretty fun. The drinks at the park weren’t too bad, and I bought a couple beers for the Metra ride out. I budget whatever I feel fine losing, $50 or $100. It’s exciting when you win, although I lose more than I win.
Comment by Three Dimensional Checkers Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 8:56 pm
I was maybe 8, and wishing my parents had just left me at home.
Comment by NomChompsky Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 9:15 pm
I grew up in Arlington Heights and used to skip school to go to the races. Used to be they’d let you in free after the sixth. We had a theory that still works. Find the guy with the ugliest sport coat and get in line behind him. Bet what he bets. We go to Arlington a lot still. Actually a very family friendly place.
Comment by Slugger O'Toole Wednesday, Apr 17, 19 @ 9:13 am
I totally agree with Triple Crown on this. I go to Arlington at least 12-15 times a year. Went to the Kentucky Derby last May. The whole scene is beautiful. You don’t need to bet at all to appreciate the great 4 legged athletes. I sure hope that the State finally helps out the horse industry in IL compete with Indiana, Iowa, and Minnesota and allows gambling of all types at the tracks. There are thousands of jobs at stake, and a tremendous amount of tax money that we will lose if horse racing is shut down in IL.
Comment by Big Joe Wednesday, Apr 17, 19 @ 9:23 am
I am 37 and love the track. Horse racing is my favorite sport, ahead of football and baseball. Sadly not many people my age that I know, outside of my wife, would say the same thing. I go to Ellis Park 8-10 times a year and am going to the Oaks next Friday.
Comment by Derby Fever Tuesday, Apr 23, 19 @ 10:33 am