Hawthorne Race Course, located in west suburban Stickney, is facing potential closure. The only qualified bidder in its bankruptcy case, a company identified as ALLIMAC 2023 LLC, has placed a $90 million bid on the site’s 119 acres. The track, under financial strain, filed for bankruptcy in February with over $100 million in debts.
Founded in 1891, Hawthorne is the oldest racetrack in Illinois. The site’s history includes notable events, such as a race on July 3, 1924, where Arrowhead won a three-quarter-mile race with a $1,000 purse.
The $90 million offer was set as a “stalking horse” bid to establish a baseline in the bankruptcy court. Despite hopes for more bids, ALLIMAC remained the sole bidder as no other qualified offers were received by the deadline. For the sale to progress, approval from Bankruptcy Judge Timothy Barnes is required at a forthcoming hearing.
Chris Block, President of the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, expressed the impact on the horse racing community. He stated, “This is a devastating and tragic day for horse racing in northern Illinois.” The association communicated to members that racing and training would continue until further notice.
As the track navigates financial difficulties, court filings reveal a request for $1,125,000 from a state horse racing purse fund to support ongoing operations. Despite promises to establish a “racino” combining a racetrack and casino, Hawthorne’s plans never materialized. A missed opportunity also involved exclusive rights to open a racino in the southern suburbs.
The potential closure would mark the end of horse racing in the Chicago area. Fairmount Park in Collinsville would remain as the only parimutuel betting track in Illinois. Meanwhile, accusations in court involve allegations of funds improperly diverted by Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II, with a defense already noted by John Costello, the director’s brother.
Should Hawthorne close, about 300 residents who live on the premises, including those working with 500 horses and their families, would face displacement. Proposals for new tracks, including a harness racing track in Decatur, have yet to gain legislative traction.