Hawthorne Race Course in west suburban Stickney, facing significant financial challenges, may soon cease operations. The track filed for bankruptcy in February with debts exceeding $100 million. Recent court records reveal a $90 million purchase offer for the site’s 119 acres by a Delaware-based entity known as ALLIMAC 2023 LLC.
This offer, referred to as a “stalking horse” bid, establishes the minimum price in a bankruptcy court auction. Unfortunately, no other qualified buyers emerged by the auction deadline, leaving ALLIMAC as the sole bidder. The sale still requires approval from Bankruptcy Judge Timothy Barnes, with a hearing set for Monday.
Despite the uncertainty, thoroughbred racing at Hawthorne is planned to continue every Sunday until November. While Hawthorne officials have not commented, the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association informed its members that “Hawthorne Race Course has been sold to a non-racing entity.” They assured that training and racing are proceeding as scheduled for now.
Chris Block, Association President, expressed deep concern, remarking, “This is a devastating and tragic day for horse racing in northern Illinois.” Block had hoped for the introduction of a racino—combining a race track and casino—which was seen as a lifeline for the industry. However, efforts to secure financing have been unsuccessful.
The horsemen’s group has requested $1,125,000 from a state horse racing purse fund to sustain operations in the short term. The closure of Hawthorne would mean the end of horse racing in the Chicago area, impacting approximately 300 people living on its back stretch, including workers and their families who care for 500 horses.
Illinois lawmakers had previously attempted to stabilize the horse racing industry by allowing the creation of racinos in 2019, aiming to rejuvenate the sector amidst expanding casino and gambling offerings elsewhere. However, these plans have either fallen through or met unexpected roadblocks.
In a related development, Hawthorne officials have accused Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II of diverting funds to Fairmount Park Casino & Racing, managed by his brother John Costello. John Costello has denied these allegations and plans to challenge them in court.
If Hawthorne closes, Fairmount Park in Collinsville, near St. Louis, will remain as the only parimutuel betting track in Illinois. Proposals for a new harness racing track in Decatur exist, but legislative action has not yet been taken.
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