Hawthorne Race Course
The Illinois Racing Board has suspended the operating license for harness racing at Hawthorne Race Course due to persistent financial difficulties. The decision follows canceled races and bounced checks totaling over $582,000 owed to horsemen. Track officials claim they are close to securing a new financing deal for a casino.
Reported by AI
Hawthorne Race Course's severe financial difficulties, including over $580,000 in bounced checks, have jeopardized the future of thoroughbred racing in Illinois. During a recent Illinois Racing Board meeting, horsemen's associations voiced urgent concerns about unpaid purses and the potential cancellation of the 2026 meet scheduled for March 29. Track representatives offered vague optimism about an impending deal but provided few details.