Okay, so I wanted to check out the Fairmont Racetrack in Collinsville, Illinois. I’d heard some buzz about it, maybe seen some pictures, and I figured, “Why not?” It’s not every day you get to see horse racing, right?
Getting There
First things first, I needed to figure out how to get there. I looked it up on my phone – simple enough. I plugged the address into my GPS and, boom, directions popped up. It wasn’t too far of a drive, which was nice. I packed a small bag with some water and snacks ’cause, you know, you gotta be prepared.
At the Racetrack
When I got there, I found parking. Thankfully, It was easy to find place parking. I paid for parking, grabbed my bag, and headed towards the entrance.
I got my ticket and went inside. The place was bigger than I expected! There were tons of people milling around, some serious-looking folks studying the racing forms, and others just there for a good time, I guess.
Finding a Spot
I wandered around a bit, trying to get my bearings. I wanted a good view of the track, naturally. I eventually found a spot along the railing, not too crowded, with a pretty clear view of the horses as they thundered by.
Watching the Races
- The Atmosphere: The energy was pretty cool. Everyone was cheering and yelling, especially when the horses got close to the finish line. It was definitely contagious!
- The Horses: Seeing those horses up close was something else. They’re seriously powerful animals. You could feel the ground vibrate a little as they ran past.
- The Jockeys: I don’t know much about horse racing strategy, but you could tell those jockeys were working hard. It’s a lot more intense in person than it looks on TV.
The Overall Experience
I didn’t bet any money. honestly, I have no idea,I just wanted to experience the whole thing. I ended up staying for a few races, soaking up the atmosphere, and enjoying the spectacle.
All in all, it was a fun day trip. It was something different, a little out of my usual routine. Would I go every weekend? Probably not. But it was definitely worth checking out, seeing those horses run, and feeling the energy of the crowd. If you’re looking for something a bit different to do, and you’re in the area, I’d say give Fairmont Racetrack a shot. Just remember to bring some water and maybe a hat – it can get pretty sunny out there!
