The Illinois Racing Board denied a request from Hawthorne Race Course to conduct horse races next year. It was not clear how or where the applicants would conduct races, as the Stickney course was sold earlier this year.
Illinois Racing Board Executive Director Domenic DiCera said that of the three applicants to request to operate horse races in Illinois in 2027, two applications filed by Hawthorne and Suburban Downs, which are separate entities with the same ownership, were deficient and the filers were given the opportunity to correct and refile with the board.
Hawthorne Race Course went bankrupt in February, and the site was vacated at the end of August. The applicants didn’t make it apparent where or how they’d operate races in the upcoming year.
The racing board brought in roughly $10.16 million through a variety of different taxes and fees on horse racing around the state, which otherwise is made up by Fairmount Park in Collinsville and eight days of racing at both state fairs.
During the meeting, the board approved an expanded race schedule at Fairmount Park in Collinsville, Illinois’ last remaining Thoroughbred racetrack.
The location will hold 73 race days in 2027, compared to 57 days this year.
Story from Illinois Radio Network
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