Fairmount Increases Purses for 2026 Season by $500k

Fairmount Park Casino & Racing breaks from the gate this April with a $500,000 increase in its total purse amount for the 2026 racing season. General Manager Vince Gabbert said the half-million-dollar increase in purses will attract a larger field size and top-tier horses from across the region. The purse increase will be spread over the same number of race days as last season, meaning bigger prizes for owners and trainers competing at Fairmount Park this year. Gabbert said trainers from Chicago have asked for stalls at Fairmount Park, and he expects some out-of-state trainers to also set up stalls in Collinsville. "Good purse size drives higher field size, which drives higher wagering, and together it's a cycle that improves all aspects of the track," Gabbert said. "Fans who come out want to see better horses and want to have more options to wager on during race season. This year, they'll get to do that with our huge field size increase compared to last year." The on-track improvements aren't the only enhancements fans can expect this year at Fairmount Park. Gabbert said the facility is focused on continuous improvement in all aspects in 2026. This includes changes to the wagering menu, adding table games in the casino, additional food and beverage options, reopening the clubhouse, restroom upgrades, a new inner rail on the track, a new winners circle, and more landscaping. "We are still the only 'racino' in Illinois, and for many of our patrons, we're their only option within a five to six hour radius," Gabbert said. "We are truly a unique attraction in the region where people can come bet on horses, play games in the casino and eat great food. Ultimately, I want people to come here and say they had a fun time at the races." Fairmount Park opens the racing season at 1:30 p.m. on April 14. The track will have live racing every Tuesday and Saturday at 1:30 p.m. until the final day of the meet on Oct. 27. The St. Louis Derby, the track's biggest race of the season, is Aug. 29.