If you grew up in the Gateway City, "going to the track" meant one thing. It meant crossing the river. Technically, horse racing St Louis isn't even in Missouri anymore, but try telling that to the thousands of fans who have spent decades tailgating in the gravel lots of Collinsville. We’re talking about FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing. Most locals still just call it Fairmount Park. It is the last stand for live thoroughbred racing in the region.
It's weird, honestly. St. Louis has this deep, almost obsessive sports culture—Cards, Blues, City SC—but the ponies often feel like a best-kept secret that everyone somehow knows about. It’s a subculture. You’ve got the old-timers who can read a Daily Racing Form like it's the Sunday paper, and then you’ve got the younger crowd showing up for "Party at the Park" on Tuesday nights because the beer is cheap and the adrenaline is real. It’s gritty. It’s loud. It’s quintessential St. Louis, even if it is across the state line.
But the history? That’s where it gets complicated.
The Rise, Fall, and Rebranding of the Local Track
Fairmount Park opened its gates way back in 1925. Think about that for a second. This place survived the Great Depression, multiple ownership changes, and the rise of casino gambling that almost choked it out of existence. For a long time, it was the only game in town. In the mid-20th century, horse racing was arguably as big as baseball in the Midwest.
Then came the 90s. The riverboats arrived. Suddenly, people didn't have to wait 20 minutes between races to lose twenty bucks; they could just pull a lever every three seconds on a slot machine. The track took a hit. A big one. At its peak, Fairmount ran hundreds of race days a year. By the late 2010s, that number had dwindled dangerously low. There were real fears that the 200-acre site would just become another warehouse or a strip mall.
Then, the law changed. Illinois finally passed the massive gaming expansion bill in 2019. This allowed tracks to become "racinos." Basically, it paved the way for sports betting and casino games to live alongside the dirt track. FanDuel stepped in with a naming rights deal, and suddenly, horse racing St Louis had a pulse again.
Why Tuesday Nights are a Cultural Phenomenon
If you ask a casual fan about racing in the 618, they won't mention the Kentucky Derby. They’ll mention Tuesday nights. Why Tuesday? It started as a way to capture "simulcast" eyes across the country when other tracks were dark, but it turned into a local tradition.
It’s an odd mix. You’ll see a guy in a tailored suit standing next to someone in a stained Cardinals jersey. They’re both screaming at a horse named something ridiculous like "Midwest Magic" or "Hoosier Daddy." The atmosphere is electric because the stakes are visible. You can stand right against the rail. You feel the ground shake. You smell the dirt and the sweat. That’s the draw. It’s not the polished, mint-julep-sipping vibe of Churchill Downs. It’s blue-collar.
The Reality of the "Racino" Era
Let’s be real: the casino side is what keeps the lights on. Without the revenue from the sportsbook and the eventual full casino floor, live racing in the St. Louis metro area would likely be dead. That’s a hard pill to swallow for purists who love the sport for the horses, not the slot machines.
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However, the infusion of cash has stabilized the purses. Purses are the prize money that owners and trainers compete for. When purses are high, better horses come to town. Better horses mean better betting pools. It’s a cycle.
- Higher purses attract trainers from Kentucky and Arkansas.
- Better fields make for more "handicappable" races.
- More betting handle leads to more investment in the facility.
We aren't back to the glory days of the 1950s yet, but the trajectory has shifted. For a while there, it felt like we were just waiting for the funeral. Now? There’s an actual future.
Understanding the St. Louis Racing Circuit
The local circuit is unique. Because we are so close to Kentucky, we get a lot of "overflow" talent. You’ll see jockeys who are trying to make a name for themselves before heading to the big leagues at Keeneland. You’ll also see veteran "milers"—horses that aren't quite elite but are tough as nails and run consistently.
The track itself is a one-mile dirt oval. It’s known for being relatively fair, though speed often holds up well on the tighter turns. If you’re betting, keep an eye on horses that have been shipping in from Oaklawn or Hawthorne; they usually find the competition at Fairmount a bit easier to handle.
Common Misconceptions About the Track
People think it’s a "dying sport." It isn't. It's just changing.
The biggest myth is that you need a fortune to have fun. Honestly, you can go to the track with $50 and have a full afternoon of entertainment. The minimum bets are tiny. You can bet $2 to win. If you’re smart—or just lucky—that $50 can last you three hours. Try doing that at a blackjack table in a downtown casino. You’ll be broke in five minutes.
Another misconception is that it’s rigged. Look, horse racing has had its scandals, but the level of scrutiny today is insane. Between the state vets, the stewards, and the drug testing, it’s harder than ever to pull a fast one. The "inside tip" from a guy at the bar? It’s usually garbage. Trust the data, trust the past performances, and trust your gut.
The Life of a Backstretch Worker
Behind the scenes of horse racing St Louis, there is a city that never sleeps. The backstretch is where the real work happens. It’s a world of 4:00 AM wake-up calls and endless buckets of oats.
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These aren't wealthy "stable owners" you see in movies. These are families. Many of the trainers at the local track have been there for generations. They live in the barns. They know every tick and every limp of their animals. When a horse wins a $5,000 claiming race, it’s not just a win—it’s the mortgage payment. It’s the feed bill for next month.
How to Actually Bet (Without Feeling Like an Idiot)
Walking up to a betting window for the first time is terrifying. There’s a line behind you. The teller looks bored. You don't want to mess up.
Keep it simple. You only need four pieces of information:
- The track name (usually implied if you're there).
- The race number.
- The amount of the bet.
- The type of bet and the horse’s program number.
"Race 4, five dollars to win on number 6." That’s it. You sound like a pro.
If you want to get fancy, try an "Exacta." You pick the first and second-place horses in the correct order. It’s harder, but the payout is way better. Just don't go chasing "Superfectas" unless you’ve got money to burn. It’s basically a lottery ticket with hoofs.
The Impact of Sports Betting Apps
The rise of apps like FanDuel and DraftKings has changed the game for the Collinsville track. You can now bet on the local races from your couch in South County. This has brought in a lot of "handle" from people who never actually set foot on the property.
Is that good? Economically, yes. Culturally? It’s a toss-up. Part of the magic of horse racing St Louis is the physical presence. The sound of the gate snapping open. The roar of the crowd in the stretch. You don't get that from a push notification on your phone.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Racing in the Region
What happens next? The big project is the full-scale casino at the track. Once that's fully operational, the revenue stream should, in theory, guarantee that racing continues for another few decades.
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We’re also seeing a shift in how the track is used. It’s becoming more of an "event space." They do food truck festivals, concerts, and even camel racing (don't ask, it’s a weirdly popular gimmick). It’s about survival. By diversifying, the track ensures that the core product—the horses—can keep running.
There’s also the question of the Missouri side. For years, there has been talk of bringing a track to Missouri, maybe near Romine or even out toward St. Charles. Honestly? Don't hold your breath. The political hurdles are massive, and the market is likely too small for two major tracks. For the foreseeable future, Collinsville is the home of racing for the entire St. Louis area.
Tips for Your First Visit
If you're heading out there this season, here is some unsolicited advice.
Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking from the paddock (where the horses parade before the race) to the betting windows to the rail. It’s a workout.
Bring binoculars. Even a cheap pair makes a huge difference. It’s fun to watch the jockeys jostling for position on the backstretch, which is way too far away to see with the naked eye.
Check the weather. The grandstand is covered, but it’s an outdoor sport. A humid July afternoon in the St. Louis basin is no joke. Drink water. Seriously.
Why We Should Care
In a world where everything is becoming digital and "sanitized," horse racing is raw. It’s one of the few things left that feels connected to the history of the city. St. Louis was built on trade, gambling, and grit. The track embodies all of that.
It’s also a significant employer. From the grooms to the security guards to the people flipping burgers in the concession stands, hundreds of local families rely on that oval. Supporting horse racing St Louis isn't just about gambling; it's about supporting a local ecosystem that has refused to die.
Actionable Steps for the Aspiring Fan
- Download a "Past Performance" (PP) sheet before you go. The track sells them, but you can get them online via Equibase. Learning to read the "shorthand" of a horse's history is like learning a new language. It makes the race feel like a puzzle rather than a random event.
- Visit the Paddock. Before every race, the horses are walked in a circle for about 10 minutes. Look at them. Is a horse sweating excessively? That’s "washed out"—it’s nervous and probably won’t run well. Is its coat shiny? Is it alert? This is the most "human" part of the sport.
- Set a Budget. This is the most important rule of gambling. Decide what you’re willing to lose before you walk through the gate. Once that money is gone, you’re done. Treat it like the cost of a movie ticket.
- Check the Tuesday Schedule. The atmosphere on a Tuesday evening is fundamentally different than a Saturday afternoon. If you want the "party" vibe, go Tuesday. If you want a more serious, family-friendly day, go on the weekend.
- Explore the Sportsbook. Even if you aren't into horses, the FanDuel Sportsbook on-site is one of the best places in the metro area to watch a Sunday NFL slate or the MLB playoffs. It’s a massive wall of TVs and a great way to spend a few hours.
Horse racing in the Gateway area isn't just a sport; it's a survivor. It has outlasted rivals, economic crashes, and a global pandemic. Whether you’re there for the math of the handicapping or just the spectacle of the animals, it’s a piece of local culture that deserves a look. Just remember: the favorite only wins about 33% of the time. Choose wisely.
Next Steps for Readers:
Check the official FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing website for the current "Condition Book" to see upcoming race dates. If you're new to handicapping, look for "New Fan" seminars often held near the main entrance on big race days, where veterans explain how to read the program for free.