The future of Hawthorne Race Course a historic venue in northern Illinois, hangs in the balance as bankruptcy proceedings continue. The track, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in late February, is facing a potential sale to Allimac LLC a Delaware-based entity. The sale, if approved, would mark the end of an era for Chicago racing.
The latest court hearing, held on Wednesday following a Monday session, did not result in any official action. However, it is increasingly clear that the sale to Allimac LLC is likely to go through. The $90 million purchase offer includes plans to demolish the Hawthorne grandstand and stables for commercial development. Another hearing is scheduled for Friday morning to further discuss the details.
The Fate of Hawthorne’s Backstretch Community
One of the most pressing issues in the bankruptcy proceedings is the future of the backstretch community. Approximately 500 horses and 500 people are currently housed on the 108-acre property. While some assurances have been given that neither humans nor animals will be forced off the property before August 31, this deadline is not guaranteed.
The court-approved sale draft indicates that the backstretch must be cleared by August 31 as a condition of the deal. This deadline has raised concerns about the well-being of the horses and the backstretch workers. The Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (ITHA) has been working to ensure that the transition is as smooth as possible for all parties involved.
The Financial Struggles of Hawthorne Race Course
Hawthorne Race Course, owned by the Carey family for over a century, has been struggling financially for years. The track’s debts reportedly exceed the purchase offer, and there is a possibility that the bankruptcy could be converted from Chapter 11 to Chapter 7. This conversion would expedite the sale’s closing and require the backstretch to be vacated immediately.
The track’s financial woes have been compounded by its inability to move forward with a casino license, which was approved by the Illinois Gaming Board seven years ago. Despite efforts to find a partner to finance the casino project, Hawthorne has been unable to secure the necessary funding. The track’s financial condition has steadily deteriorated, leading to grave concerns about the viability of future racing meets.
The Decline of Chicago Racing
Hawthorne Race Course’s potential closure would mark the end of an era for Chicago racing. The track, which held its final races on Sunday, July 19, has not paid purses for the last three race cards. The ongoing bankruptcy hearing will determine how funds will be distributed to horsemen and other creditors.
The decline of Chicago racing has been a gradual process. Sportsman’s Park, which was adjacent to Hawthorne, hosted its last races in 2002 after a failed conversion to a dual-use horse- and auto-racing facility. In 2015, Maywood Park and Balmoral Park, Chicagoland’s two harness tracks, both closed. Churchill Downs Inc. closed Arlington Park, the crown jewel of Chicago racing, in 2026 and sold the property to the Chicago Bears.
With Hawthorne’s potential closure, Fairmount Park on the Illinois side of St. Louis remains the last operating racetrack in the region. The future of horse racing in Chicago is uncertain, and the bankruptcy proceedings of Hawthorne Race Course will have significant implications for the sport’s legacy in the area.
