Future of Hawthorne Race Course Uncertain Amid Bankruptcy and Sale

Hawthorne Race Course might have to close its doors. A buyer who plans other uses for the site emerged as the sole qualified bidder in a bankruptcy proceeding. However, there is still hope among track and horse operators to continue racing for the time being.

The racetrack in Stickney, west of Chicago, filed for bankruptcy in February. It faced over $100 million in debt. In a court submission, Delaware-based ALLIMAC 2023 LLC bid $90 million for the site’s 119 acres. A notable past event at the track includes a race from July 3, 1924, won by Arrowhead. In that race, Arrowhead surged ahead from the outside, claiming the win. The contest had a purse of $1,000, with Arrowhead finishing first, followed by Top o’ the Morning and Simplicity.

The bid by ALLIMAC was a “stalking horse” bid, setting a minimum purchase price in bankruptcy court. However, when the auction deadline passed on Tuesday, no other bidders came forward. As a result, ALLIMAC remains the only buyer. The sale awaits approval from Bankruptcy Judge Timothy Barnes during a hearing scheduled for Monday.

Despite the uncertain future, Hawthorne currently has thoroughbred racing events scheduled every Sunday until November. While officials declined to comment, the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association informed its members via text that the track’s sale to a non-racing entity would not immediately affect training and racing schedules.

Association President Chris Block expressed his concern, calling the development a tragic day for horse racing in northern Illinois. He lamented the unmet hope for a racino construction that could have revitalized the industry. To support ongoing operations, the horsemen requested the court grant Hawthorne $1,125,000 from a state horse racing purse fund.

Hawthorne’s bankruptcy followed years of dwindling interest and betting on horse racing. In 2019, state lawmakers allowed tracks to build combined race tracks and casinos or “racinos.” It aimed to inject funds to compete with growing gambling venues. However, Arlington International Racecourse closed in 2021. Meanwhile, despite promises from President Tim Carey, Hawthorne failed to secure financing for a racino.

Hawthorne notified the state that it might need to lay off up to 290 workers without continued operations. The track also accused Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II of improperly redirecting funds meant for Hawthorne to Fairmount Park Casino & Racing. Representing Fairmount, John Costello, the director’s brother, denied the allegations, stating they would contest in court.

The closure of Hawthorne would mean the end of horse racing in the Chicago area. Established in 1891 by the Carey family, it’s the oldest racetrack in Illinois. About 300 people reside on the back stretch, including caregivers for the 500 horses and their families. Fairmount Park in Collinsville would remain the only parimutuel betting venue. While proposals exist for a new harness racing track in Decatur, lawmakers have not acted on them.