2 herpesvirus cases force 3-week quarantine at Fairmount Park

Two cases of the equine herpesvirus led to the ordering of a three-week quarantine through Christmas at Fairmount Park, which does business as FanDuel Sportsbook and Racetrack in Collinsville, Ill.

The horsemen’s notice dated Wednesday from track president and general manager Melisssa Helton was posted on the Fairmount Park website this week.

“No horses will be allowed to leave FanDuel for any reason for 21 days,” Helton wrote. “Trainers should monitor their horses for any symptoms and immediately contact their attending vet should any arise.”

Daily Racing Form reported the stable area was put on notice Monday when a horse had symptoms of the contagious disease and was euthanized.

According to what Illinois Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association executive director Jim Watkins told DRF, two other horses took ill, and one was confirmed to have the equine herpesvirus. Both are said to be getting better.

Even though the racing season runs from mid-April to mid-November at Fairmount, the track is open for training year-round. Watkins told DRF that horses in quarantined barns may return to the track Monday and train among themselves. Other horses whose barns were not tagged are allowed to work without added restrictions.