Illinois Racing Board suspends Hawthorne’s harness racing licence
The venue failed to provide financial documents to prove its suitability.
US.- The Illinois Racing Board (IRB) has suspended Hawthorne Race Course’s harness racing licence. The decision was taken due to Suburban Downs’ failure to provide documentation to demonstrate financial integrity and the minimum standards to comply with the Horse Racing Act and Title 11 of the Illinois Administrative Code.
The decision follows the cancellation of the track’s opening weekend and subsequent race dates after the operator failed to post a required surety bond. Reports also emerged that purse cheques totalling hundreds of thousands of dollars had bounced.
IRB executive director Domenic DiCera said in a statement: “Today the Illinois Racing Board made a very difficult decision to suspend the operating license of Suburban Downs (which does business as Hawthorne). On Jan. 15th, IRB requested bank statements that reflect the operating fund, and any fund related to racing operations at Suburban Downs. Unfortunately, their financial difficulties, including failure to provide financial documents showing their ability to operate assigned 2026 race dates, have led us to suspend their licence.”
Hawthorne Race Couse was one of the first venues in Illinois to offer retail sports betting. It has retail sports betting and operates via Fanatics Sportsbook. Suburban Downs may regain its licence if it can prove it meets the requirements.
