FAQs
Is there a charge or commission?
CANTER is a free service offered to Illinois's racing trainers and owners to help them find non-race buyers for their retiring racehorses. Furthermore, there are no fees charged to shoppers or purchasers.
What is the best way to find a horse?
Prospective buyers find a horse for sale two ways:
1. By placing their name and desired horse requirements on the Horses Wanted List which is then distributed to the trainers and owners on the backside barn area of the racetrack.
2. By shopping at the Horse Listings of the web site. When the track is closed, those horses still for sale are located at various barns throughout the state.
For best results in finding a horse that suits your needs, it is recommended that prospective buyers use both methods.
What breed of horses are these?
CANTER lists only Thoroughbreds. Occasionally, there maybe a track pony horse that is listed for sale. These horses can be any breed and are exceptionally quiet and well trained as they are used to bring the racehorses to post on race day. It will be specifically stated that the horse is a pony horse.
Do these horses have their registration papers?
It is rare that a horse does not have its Jockey Club registration papers as these papers are required to be on file at the Racing Secretaryís office if the horse is at the track and, of course, are required if the horse is retired for breeding. Unless otherwise stated, it should be expected that the trainers and owners will provide the horseís registration papers. Transfer of the papers should be made at the actual time of sale when money exchanges hands. Since the Racing Secretaryís office is not open 24 hours 7 days a week, it might not be possible for the trainer to retrieve the papers a particular day. If that is the case, make arrangements to finalize the sale when the papers are available.
Will the trainers take a check?
Usually not and it is not because they do not trust you! Racing trainers are very nomadic and move from race meet to race meet and most times do not have a local bank account and would be unable to cash your check. For this reason, many of them insist on cash.
Is an Ex-Racehorse best for me?
Good question! These horses are NOT for beginners! Although extremely intelligent and quite worldly in their life experiences, as far as riding skills, they have only been taught to gallop at 38 miles an hour, steering is not well engrained, and "whoa" literally means stop in a half a mile as quick stops on the racetrack could mean injury. They need professional retraining or an experienced horse person to teach them new skills. Please visit the Ex-Racehorse Resources section of the website for more information on this topic.
Does CANTER vouch for the soundness and health of the horses for sale through the program?
CANTER is a free service, much like a newspaper online, to help Illinoisís racing trainers and owners find buyers for their retiring horses. CANTER DOES NOT OFFER ANY GUARANTEE ON THE PHYSICAL CONDITION OR BEHAVIOR OF ANY HORSE AT ANY TIME. Buyer and seller carry full responsibility for the sale, transportation, care, and soundness of any horse. All statements made on the website with reference to any horse listed are the descriptions of the trainers/owners of their horses and are not verified by CANTER. As with any horse sale, CANTER recommends a veterinary pre-purchase examination.
Where are the horses located?
Horses are located at Fairmount Park year round. Fairmount Park is located in Collinsville, Illinois - near St. Louis Missouri on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River. Horses may also be stabled at various farms/stables in Southern Illinois.
What do they sell for?
The asking prices of the horses are listed on the website. Unless stated the prices are firm, most prices are negotiable. Strictly as a general rule, the price of the horse is determined by 3 factors: Soundness, height and trainerís need to sell. You are not likely to find a 16.2 hand horse that will vet out for jumping for $800 although this is not impossible. The highest number of horses sell in the $1500 to $3000 range with everything above and below that.
How do I get to see a horse?
If your name is on the Horses Wanted list and a trainer calls you with a horse for you to see, you make a definite date and appointment time to see the horse. Likewise, if you find a horse on the Horses For Sale list and you contact the listing party, you also make a definite date and appointment to see the horse. Please be ON TIME and call if you must cancel. These trainers are at work and are taking time out of their work day to meet with you.
Do I contact CANTER if I want to see a horse?
No. You always contact the person who has the horse listed for sale. For questions relating to the operation of the program, feel free to email CANTER.
Does CANTER have any volunteers that will help me at the track?
Yes. CANTER does have a limited number of volunteers that will act as free guides to serious buyers. We cannot guarantee a guide will be available but will do our best to try to provide one. These volunteers do NOT offer advice on purchase or physical condition of any horse but are there to assist you in finding the barns you need and helping you with the logistics of your trip and understanding race track backside etiquette. Email CANTER to request a guide and check availability. We require a minimum of one week notice of your trip when providing guides.
Do I bring my trainer or experienced horse person with me?
Wonderful idea! You will need this personís expertise in evaluating the horse while the horse is led out of its stall, trotted up and down the lane, stood for close inspection, etc.
What are the best days to go to the track?
Saturdays are generally the best days to visit Fairmount Park usually works out best for prospective buyers too. Trainers are generally available from 6:00am until 11:00am. Horses do not train on Sundays at Fairmount and many trainers are not available. Wednesdays are light training days and most trainers are generally off the grounds by 9AM. Please make appointments to meet with trainers in advance to be sure you have not wasted a trip. Make your plans accordingly.
What is the best time to go to the track?
The best time to schedule appointments to meet with the trainers on the track is from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Most trainers are on the grounds during this time. By late morning into early afternoon, the horses are resting and the trainers have left the grounds. It is best not to schedule appointments in late afternoon or evening during live racing as the trainers are intent on preparing their horses to race.
Can I ride the horse at the track?
You will probably NOT be allowed to ride the horse at the track but this is dependent on the trainer. Some will never allow it because of liability concerns. Others might encourage it to sell the horse. Remember though that these are racehorses and "Whoa" to them means stopping in a half a mile! CANTER recommends that you do not attempt to ride any horse at the track.
Can I have a pre-purchase exam done?
Yes, please bring your own veterinarian or you may use one of the track vets.
How do I remove a horse that I have purchased?
Trailering a horse from a farm or the track is the buyerís responsibility. You will make your best deal if you let the trainer know that your trailer is ready and waiting in the parking lot to bring your new horse home that day. Occasionally, racing trainers might know of someone on the track that would trailer a horse for you for a fee but do not rely on the trainers to find your trailer ride.
Are there any hotels in the area? I am driving a long distance which will make it difficult to be there in the early morning.
People driving a long distance might find it easier to drive in the day before and spend one night at a nearby motel/hotel. This will allow you a full morning at the track. Motels and hotels in the Fairmount Park area are listed below. All hotels/motels listed are in Collinsville Illinois unless otherwise noted.
- Comfort Inn, 8 Commerce Drive, 618.346.4900, 800.228.5150
- Drury Inn, 602 North Bluff Road, 618.345.7700, 800.378.7946
- Fairfield Inn, 4 Gateway Drive, 618.346.0607, 800.228.2800
- Hampton Inn, 7 Commerce Drive, 618.346.4400, 800.426.7866
- Hampton Inn, 333 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63102, 314.621.7900
- Holiday Inn, 1000 Eastport Plaza Drive, 618.345.2800, 800.551.5133
- Motel 6, 295-A North Bluff Road, 618.345.2100, 800.466.8356
- Best Western Pear Tree Inn by Drury, 552 Ramada Boulevard, 618.345.9500, 1-800-780-7234
- Ramada Limited, 12 Commerce Drive, 618.345.2000, 800.272.6232
- Super 8 Motel, 2 Gateway Drive, 618.345.8008, 800.800.8000