Hawthorne Race Course
Hawthorne Race Course is a family-owned horse racing track in Stickney, Illinois, adjacent to Chicago, founded in 1891 and recognized as the oldest continuously operating family-owned racetrack in North America.[1][2] It uniquely hosts both thoroughbred flat racing and standardbred harness racing, distinguishing it as the only such venue in the United States, and operates Illinois' largest off-track betting network.[1] Now in its fourth generation of ownership by the Carey family, the track features a one-mile dirt oval with a 1,320-foot stretch and a seven-furlong turf course, maintaining its status as Chicago's hometown track for America's original sport.[3][4] In July 2020, it received approval from the Illinois Gaming Board for a $400 million racetrack casino development, marking a significant milestone amid ongoing operations that include major stakes events like Night of Champions.[1][5]History
Founding and Early Operations (1895–1920s)
Hawthorne Race Course was founded in 1891 by Edward Corrigan, a Chicago businessman and horse racing enthusiast who owned the 1890 Kentucky Derby winner Riley, after purchasing 119 acres in the Cicero area (now Stickney, Illinois).[6] The track opened for thoroughbred racing on May 20, 1891, establishing it as one of the early venues for organized horse racing in the Chicago region amid a landscape of competing tracks facing political and reformist pressures.[6] Corrigan relocated operations from his prior West Side Track lease to this site specifically to evade ongoing political harassment associated with urban racing facilities.[7] Initial operations included standard thoroughbred flat racing meets, but the track closed temporarily in 1896 due to anti-gambling reform campaigns targeting horse racing.[7] It reopened in 1898, resuming activity until a statewide ban on all horse racing took effect in Illinois in 1905, halting operations across tracks including Hawthorne.[7] During this period, a fire destroyed the original grandstand and structures in 1902, prompting temporary relocation of racing to the nearby Harlem Race Track while reconstruction efforts lagged amid the regulatory shutdown.[6] In 1909, Chicago Alderman Thomas Carey acquired the property, marking a shift in ownership as Corrigan's influence waned.[7] Carey's early attempts to revive racing in 1909 and 1911 failed due to persistent legal restrictions, though the grounds saw non-racing use, such as aviation experiments around 1910.[6] A limited resurgence occurred in 1916 with a 13-day meet, including the American Derby, representing the final such event before another hiatus.[6] By the early 1920s, easing regulations allowed reopening in 1922 for a two-week meet reliant on oral bookmaking, as formalized pari-mutuel wagering remained prohibited until 1927.[7] This expanded to a 25-day schedule in 1923, signaling stabilized early operations under Carey's stewardship and laying groundwork for sustained family involvement in the venue's management.[7]Expansion and Key Developments (1930s–1970s)
In the 1930s, Hawthorne Race Course introduced the Daily Double form of wagering and infra-red photo timing, enhancing operational efficiency and betting options during a period of recovery from the Great Depression.[8] The track launched the Chicago-area racing season with a spring meet in 1936, establishing itself as a key venue amid competition from other regional tracks.[9] The 1940s brought ownership transitions and infrastructural upgrades under family stewardship. In 1946, following the expiration of its lease with the Chicago Business Men’s Racing Association, operations reverted to the Estate of Thomas Carey. Robert F. Carey took over as managing director in April 1947 after the death of predecessor Charles Bidwill Sr.[10] By 1948, the dirt racing strip received a full renovation, and a six-furlong turf course was added, reintroducing grass racing absent since 1904 and expanding race variety to include turf events.[10][8] The 1960s saw sustained thoroughbred operations, but the 1970s marked diversification into new racing formats amid declining attendance trends in the industry. Harness racing debuted with Hawthorne's inaugural meeting in spring 1970, filling a gap left by earlier closures of other Chicago-area tracks.[11][6] In 1976, the track hosted Illinois' first pari-mutuel quarter-horse race, broadening its appeal to additional equine disciplines.[10] A major setback occurred on November 19, 1978, when an early-morning fire razed the grandstand, inflicting $10–14 million in damages and necessitating temporary disruptions before reopening in 1980.[10][8]Modern Era and Ownership Continuity (1980s–Present)
In 1980, Thomas F. Carey assumed leadership of Hawthorne Race Course from his father, Robert F. Carey, maintaining the track's operation under continuous family ownership that originated with Thomas Carey's purchase of the property in 1909.[12] The Carey family, now in its fourth generation, has preserved Hawthorne as the oldest continuously family-owned and operated racetrack in North America, navigating periodic industry contractions without relinquishing control.[1][13] The 1980s marked a period of expanded racing opportunities for Hawthorne following the 1985 fire that destroyed Arlington Park, allowing the track to absorb additional summer dates previously allocated to its competitor, thereby sustaining operations amid Illinois' peak Thoroughbred foaling era.[14][15] Carey-led management focused on infrastructural stability and wagering innovations, though attendance and handle began reflecting broader national declines in live racing by the late decade. Into the 1990s and 2000s, the track hosted consistent Thoroughbred and harness meets, with family stewardship emphasizing self-sufficiency despite state regulatory shifts and competition from off-track betting facilities.[16] Thomas F. Carey, who guided the track until his death on December 17, 2019, at age 87, prioritized long-term viability, overseeing adaptations like simulcasting expansions in the 1990s to offset falling on-site attendance.[17] Under subsequent family members, including track president Tim Carey, Hawthorne pursued a racino license following Illinois' 2019 gaming expansion law, securing designation for a permanent casino adjacent to the track to bolster revenues amid dwindling purses—yet construction remains delayed as of September 2025 due to licensing and financial hurdles, including over $6.7 million in contractor liens filed in 2024.[18][19] Despite these pressures and reduced racing dates in recent years—such as trimming Thoroughbred programs to 68 in 2024 before approval for 80 in 2025—the Carey family's ownership has endured, positioning Hawthorne as the sole surviving major track in the Chicago area.[20][21][22]Facilities and Infrastructure
Track Configurations and Specifications
The main track at Hawthorne Race Course is a one-mile dirt oval designed for thoroughbred racing, featuring chutes extending from the backstretch for distances of six furlongs and one and one-quarter miles.[2] The surface is characterized as deep and tiring, favoring horses with strong closing ability due to its demanding nature.[23] The homestretch measures 1,320 feet in length and 75 feet in width, ranking among the longest in North American racing venues.[2][24] A separate seven-furlong turf course provides an alternative configuration for grass racing, positioned inside the main dirt oval.[24] This turf track shares a similar homestretch dimension of approximately 1,320 feet, with notably tight turns measuring around 806 feet in radius, the sharpest among U.S. turf courses.[25] The turf course width is reported at 148 feet in some configurations.[26] Hawthorne's track supports both thoroughbred flat racing and occasional harness racing events, though the primary infrastructure remains optimized for the dirt oval's standard counterclockwise configuration.[12] No variable rail positions or inner/outer track options are standard, maintaining a consistent layout across meets.[2]Grandstand, Amenities, and Capacity
The grandstand at Hawthorne Race Course, rebuilt following a fire in 1978, underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation in 1998 that included structural enhancements and modernized viewer facilities.[6] This upgrade featured the addition of over 300 high-definition televisions, a new sports bar with video walls, and expanded viewing areas to improve patron experience during live racing.[12] By 2025, portions of the grandstand had been partially demolished in preparation for a proposed racino development, though construction stalled due to funding issues, leaving a skeletal structure in parts while maintaining operational viewing spaces.[27] [16] The facility's grandstand seating capacity is approximately 35,000, encompassing fixed seats, standing areas, and infield accommodations for larger crowds.[28] [6] Additional premium options include the semi-private Clubhouse with front-row views, accommodating up to 100 guests, and outdoor box seats equipped with individual monitors for race monitoring.[6] Party patios overlooking the homestretch and first-turn tents provide elevated vantage points, supporting group events amid ongoing infrastructure adaptations.[6] Amenities emphasize convenience for wagering and spectating, with a full-service food court offering diverse dining options, self-serve kiosks, and dedicated bars integrated into the grandstand.[6] The on-site sportsbook features 60 televisions, jumbo projection screens, high-limit betting stations, and leather seating, facilitating both live racing views and simulcast events.[29] Four dedicated party rooms cater to private gatherings, complemented by ample free parking and accessibility features across the 119-acre site.[30] These elements sustain visitor throughput despite renovation disruptions, with the track reporting capacity for major simulcasts like the Kentucky Derby in 2025.[31]Racing Operations
Types of Racing Conducted
Hawthorne Race Course conducts Thoroughbred flat racing, featuring events on its one-mile dirt oval and seven-furlong turf course, with races typically ranging from sprints of five furlongs to longer routes up to one and one-eighth miles.[3] These meets emphasize competitive fields in claiming, allowance, and stakes races, held primarily during spring and fall seasons.[4] The track's configuration supports classic dirt and turf racing, known for its unbiased surface conditions.[3] The venue also hosts Standardbred harness racing, including trotting and pacing events where horses pull sulkies, conducted during summer meets.[32] This dual capability distinguishes Hawthorne as the only racetrack in the United States to regularly offer both Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing under family ownership since its founding in 1891.[1][16] Harness racing at the track dates back to at least the mid-20th century, complementing its Thoroughbred operations without overlap in scheduling.[26] No other equine racing formats, such as steeplechase or quarter horse events, are conducted.[32]Annual Schedule and Meet Structure
Hawthorne Race Course's annual racing schedule features a primary thoroughbred meet spanning late March to early November, as approved by the Illinois Racing Board for 80 live race programs in 2025.[33] The structure divides into two phases: from March 20 through July 31, racing occurs twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays, with additional Saturday cards on May 3, May 17, and June 7.[33] From August 3 through November 3, the frequency increases to three days per week, including Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays.[33] Post times are set at 2:10 p.m. for Thursday and Sunday programs, while Monday evening cards start at 5:20 p.m., accommodating varying audience preferences and weather conditions typical of the Midwest climate.[33] This extended thoroughbred season provides continuity for trainers and owners, overlapping minimally with competing tracks to maximize field sizes and purse distributions.[20] Harness racing meets supplement the schedule with shorter sessions, totaling approximately 40 dates in 2025, concentrated in fall-winter periods such as October through December and extending into January-February.[34] These harness programs typically run on evenings or weekends, filling gaps in the thoroughbred calendar and supporting year-round operations.[35] Simulcast wagering remains available daily from January 1 through December 31, excluding closures on December 24 and 25, ensuring consistent facility utilization beyond live events.[36]Wagering and Simulcasting
Hawthorne Race Course offers standard parimutuel wagering on its live thoroughbred and harness racing meets, including win, place, and show bets, as well as exotic wagers such as exacta, trifecta, superfecta, and daily doubles.[37] Additional multi-race bets include Pick-3 (straight and rolling from the first race), Pick-4, Pick-5, and a Place Pick-8 covering the first eight races, with carryover rules applying to no-winner scenarios (e.g., 80% carryover to the next program for Pick-8).[37] For harness racing, wagering formats encompass daily doubles on the first and last two races, an Early Pick-5 with carryover provisions, and Pick-3 wagers.[38] Simulcasting at Hawthorne enables patrons to wager on races from other tracks via live video feeds and parimutuel pools, available daily regardless of live racing status, with gates opening early for major events.[39] The facility simulcasts signals from prominent venues, including Breeders' Cup weekends on October 31 and November 1, supporting bets on thoroughbred races nationwide.[3] Club Hawthorne's mobile wagering app facilitates remote access to these simulcasts, allowing users to bet on dozens of tracks at any time.[40] In April 2025, Hawthorne faced restrictions on simulcasting Churchill Downs races, including the Kentucky Derby, due to unpaid fees owed to Churchill Downs Inc., preventing direct window betting and affecting local horseplayers' access.[31][41] This incident highlighted operational dependencies on interstate simulcast agreements regulated by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority and state bodies, with Hawthorne's 12 off-track betting parlors also impacted.[31] Simulcast calendars and post times are published in advance, with wagering menus aligned to both live and imported signals for seamless integration.[42]Notable Achievements and Events
Record-Setting Performances and Stakes Races
Hawthorne Race Course has hosted several graded stakes races, with the Hawthorne Gold Cup Handicap (Grade III) serving as a premier event for older horses at 1¼ miles on dirt. Established in the early 20th century, the race has attracted high-caliber competitors, including Dr. Fager, who won in 1967 under jockey Braulio Baeza, completing the distance in a time reflective of the era's competitive standards.[43] More recently, winners like Scuba in a field headlined by Commissioner have showcased the race's enduring appeal for stamina-testing performances.[44][45] The Illinois Derby (Grade III), run at 1⅛ miles for three-year-olds, has functioned as a key midwestern prep race, drawing entrants with Kentucky Derby aspirations due to its distance and purse value.[2] Similarly, the Hawthorne Derby (Grade III), a 1⅛-mile turf event for three-year-olds, highlights international and domestic turf specialists, with recent editions featuring horses like Anegada in 2025.[46] These stakes underscore Hawthorne's role in Illinois breeding and racing circuits, often distributing purses exceeding $100,000 and contributing to career-defining victories.[47] Track records at Hawthorne reflect evolutionary improvements in breeding, training, and surface conditions, primarily for thoroughbred racing on dirt and turf. Notable dirt benchmarks include Actuary's 1:37.20 for 1 mile set on July 17, 1923, and Gladwin's 1:58.80 for 1¼ miles on October 1, 1970, the latter aligning with Gold Cup distances.[48] On turf, recent sprint records stand out, such as Tightrope's 55.66 for 5 furlongs on June 22, 2024, and Lose None's 1:01.70 for 5½ furlongs on November 11, 2010, demonstrating modern speed capabilities.[48]| Surface | Distance | Horse (Age, Weight) | Time | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dirt | 1 Mile | Actuary (3, 103 lbs) | 1:37.20 | Jul 17, 1923 |
| Dirt | 1¼ Miles | Gladwin (4, 115 lbs) | 1:58.80 | Oct 1, 1970 |
| Turf | 5 Furlongs | Tightrope (6, 122 lbs) | 55.66 | Jun 22, 2024 |
| Turf | 1 Mile | Soviet Line (IRE) (8, 115 lbs) | 1:33.40 | Jul 25, 1998 |
| Turf | 1¼ Miles | Pass the Line (4, 113 lbs) | 2:00.40 | Aug 10, 1985 |