Thoroughbred Meet

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.