Hawthorne Race Course Faces Financial Strains as Harness Racing License Suspended
The Illinois Racing Board has suspended the harness racing license of Suburban Downs, which operates Hawthorne Race Course, over financial struggles. The decision comes after the track failed to provide documentation demonstrating its financial integrity, according to the board.
The suspension is a significant blow to Hawthorne, which has been struggling to secure financing for its racino project since 2019. The track's general manager, John Walsh, expressed optimism that they would get their plans back on track soon, citing a new partnership with a nearby entity interested in supporting Illinois racing.
However, the suspension is not without controversy. Horse owners have reported bounced checks from Hawthorne since August, with one organization estimating losses of over $580,000. The horsemen's association has been contacting 66 owners who claim to have received payments that were then returned due to insufficient funds.
Walsh acknowledged the struggles and expressed frustration on behalf of the track's owner and CEO, Tim Carey, who was absent from a recent meeting with the board. "We're not happy about any of this," Walsh said. "We've been working day and night to get this solved with our bank."
Despite concerns, some officials remain hopeful that Hawthorne can meet its obligations. Director of Racing Jim Miller reported positive signs for the thoroughbred racing season, which is scheduled to begin on March 29.
The Illinois Racing Board has postponed its vote to approve Hawthorne's racing officials for the 2026 calendar until its next meeting in March. The board's decision highlights the challenges faced by the track as it navigates financial difficulties and seeks to revitalize the horse racing industry in the state.
As one horse owner noted, "We don't need empty words. We need specifics. We need stuff that's completely verified, and we need it in writing." The fate of Hawthorne's license remains uncertain, but its struggles serve as a reminder of the complex issues surrounding the intersection of gaming and equine industries.
The Illinois Racing Board has suspended the harness racing license of Suburban Downs, which operates Hawthorne Race Course, over financial struggles. The decision comes after the track failed to provide documentation demonstrating its financial integrity, according to the board.
The suspension is a significant blow to Hawthorne, which has been struggling to secure financing for its racino project since 2019. The track's general manager, John Walsh, expressed optimism that they would get their plans back on track soon, citing a new partnership with a nearby entity interested in supporting Illinois racing.
However, the suspension is not without controversy. Horse owners have reported bounced checks from Hawthorne since August, with one organization estimating losses of over $580,000. The horsemen's association has been contacting 66 owners who claim to have received payments that were then returned due to insufficient funds.
Walsh acknowledged the struggles and expressed frustration on behalf of the track's owner and CEO, Tim Carey, who was absent from a recent meeting with the board. "We're not happy about any of this," Walsh said. "We've been working day and night to get this solved with our bank."
Despite concerns, some officials remain hopeful that Hawthorne can meet its obligations. Director of Racing Jim Miller reported positive signs for the thoroughbred racing season, which is scheduled to begin on March 29.
The Illinois Racing Board has postponed its vote to approve Hawthorne's racing officials for the 2026 calendar until its next meeting in March. The board's decision highlights the challenges faced by the track as it navigates financial difficulties and seeks to revitalize the horse racing industry in the state.
As one horse owner noted, "We don't need empty words. We need specifics. We need stuff that's completely verified, and we need it in writing." The fate of Hawthorne's license remains uncertain, but its struggles serve as a reminder of the complex issues surrounding the intersection of gaming and equine industries.
this is crazy, $580k lost to bounced checks? That's wild, how did they not see that was gonna happen? 
Interesting
, like how can a track be suspended over financial stuff? i get that they're struggling, but $580k in bounced checks from horse owners is wild 
but at the same time, they gotta get their house in order 
. this is a tough spot for the horsemen's association and tim carey's team to navigate 
. wish 'em luck!
we need concrete solutions now 
not empty promises
. As someone who loves horse racing, it's disheartening to see a track struggling like this. The financial struggles are real, but what concerns me is that it might lead to some people losing faith in the sport altogether. I mean, when you've got owners and trainers who can't get paid, it's hard for them to keep going 
Hawthorne is literally bleeding money and still trying to spin it like everything's gonna be okay 
. Like, what's the magic number here? 580k lost? That's just a Tuesday for them I guess 
. Anyway, I'm no accountant, but I think they should've figured this out by now. Guess that's what happens when you're more concerned with lining your pockets than actually running a business 
. It's not just about their own struggles, but also the impact on horse owners who have lost thousands of dollars due to bounced checks. This kind of behavior can't be brushed off as "minor" and needs to be held accountable. The Illinois Racing Board needs to get its act together and provide clear guidelines for financial integrity to prevent this from happening again 
, and it got me thinking about how beautiful (or not) the frozen Lake Michigan is 
. Have you ever been to Illinois in winter? It's so different from summer, right? I remember driving along the lake shore last year and seeing people ice-skating on the frozen lake... 
"The problems we face today are not problems to be solved by politics; they're problems to be solved by humanity. That's why I believe everyone must do his share, whatever he thinks that is." - Albert Schweitzer 
.
️. It shows they're not taking these financial issues seriously enough. And what's with all this talk of a new partnership and "getting back on track" 
.
. If Hawthorne can't even get their finances together, how are we supposed to trust them with a license? 
The horse racing industry needs some serious reforms, and this is just one of many issues that need to be addressed 
.
. i feel 4 tim carey tho, hes probably stressin out big time tryin 2 fix this mess. jim miller says thoroughbred racing season gonna b ok, but we'll c. cant wait 2 c wht happens next...