This past week Chicago racing lost one of our own, Gail Bigelow.

Hurdles Remain Before Spring Meet Begins

The judge presiding over Hawthorne Race Course's bankruptcy case today agreed that thoroughbred owners and trainers shall have access to their accounts with the track bookkeeper.

The judge presiding over Hawthorne Race Course's bankruptcy case today approved the release of funds necessary to convert the track surface for thoroughbred racing.

While it is too early to pin down the exact start date, we expect the thoroughbred meet at Hawthorne to begin in early April.

The Judge Appeared to Sympathize with the Plight of Illinois Horsemen and Horsewomen

ITHA President Appears on 'At the Races with Steve Byk' to Discuss the Hawthorne’s bankruptcy

We expect to know more next week, once Hawthorne has appeared before the bankruptcy judge, and we will share relevant information as it becomes available.

We look forward to working with Hawthorne in the case to make sure the ITHA and its members are protected — and for all of us to get back to racing at Hawthorne in the very near future. We will know much more once we see the relief Hawthorne is seeking, but we expect this to be only the first step in the reorganization and rehabilitation of Hawthorne.

ITHA leaders want to be clear to our members: If you intend to stable and race at Hawthorne for the 2026 meet, once the track is ready for training, come at your own risk and with the knowledge that Hawthorne may be unable to start the meet and sustain it through its entirety.

Chris Block, the President of the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, discusses the recent events at Hawthorne and the future of Illinois racing.

ITHA President Appears on 'At the Races with Steve Byk' to Discuss the Future of Racing at Hawthorne

John Walsh, assistant general manager at Hawthorne Race Course, appeared before the Illinois Racing Board on Wednesday and reaffirmed the track's commitment to building a racino. He said — as track officials have said repeatedly since the Illinois legislature authorized a casino for Hawthorne nearly seven years ago — that such a deal is imminent.

The Illinois Racing Board is meeting at 1 p.m. today. Hawthorne officials are scheduled to speak to the IRB following the public comment segment — the first item on the meeting agenda — about the track's severe financial challenges.

During the public comment segment at the start of the meeting, ITHA President Chris Block will speak on behalf of all thoroughbred owners and trainers eager to know whether Hawthorne has the wherewithal to host — and complete — the thoroughbred meet planned for this year.

ITHA President Chris Block to Speak to IRB on Wednesday

The ITHA is sharing the below message to keep our members informed about events at Hawthorne Race Course that might affect the thoroughbred meet scheduled to begin on Sunday, March 29.

The ITHA is sharing the message to keep our members informed about events at Hawthorne Race Course that might affect the thoroughbred meet scheduled to begin on Sunday, March 29.

This is a positive development, to be sure, but the recent events relating to Hawthorne’s financial condition are deeply troubling.

Warmest Greetings this Holiday Season & Best Wishes for Racing Success in the New Year

As We Await Hawthorne's Deadline for Action, ITHA Members Deserve Praise for Perseverance

"We are fortunate to have such passionate and committed members," said Chris Block, the ITHA president. "Thank you to all the candidates for stepping up, sharing your vision, and offering your time to this association. I also want to thank every member who voted — your engagement helps ensure that our leadership truly reflects the goals and values of the people we serve."

The Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association is deeply saddened by the passing of Rudy Tarra. He was a respected and valued member of the Illinois racing community whose contributions as an owner, breeder, and gentleman of the sport will be long remembered. The ITHA extends heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.

Any Thoroughbred Trainer who wishes to stable at Hawthorne through the winter must fill out a stall application. Applications are due, Sunday October 19, 2025.

The Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (THA) will be hosting a webinar Monday, Sept. 29, that will cover backstretch workforce topics such as I-9 audits and legal risks. The webinar will be conducted by attorneys Chris Thomas and Jay Ingle.