Backstretch to Remain Open Until At Least Aug. 31 to Allow Backstretch Workers and Families, As Well as Horses, to Depart

During Contentious Hearing, Hawthorne’s Attorney Said Horsemen Should ‘Take Your Horses and Go’

The judge presiding over Hawthorne Race Course’s bankruptcy case decided Monday that the track’s backstretch will stay open through Monday, Aug. 31 to allow the approximately 500 backstretch residents — workers and their families — as well as some 500 horses stabled there enough time to depart.

Responding to an effort to expedite that timeline, Judge Timothy Barnes said he has a responsibility under the U.S. Constitution to protect the health and welfare of individuals residing on the property and that he is genuinely concerned about the ability of backstretch workers and their families to quickly find new homes.

“There’s more than just economic harm that is at risk here,” he said.

The hearing lasted the entire day, with multiple breaks. It became contentious in the afternoon when the ITHA’s attorney, Kevin Morse, advocated for the Hawthorne backstretch to remain open through Nov. 1 so that owners and trainers could continue stabling horses there.

Barry Chatz, an attorney for Hawthorne, which had advocated for the backstretch to close in just 14 days, responded that horsemen should “take your horses and go.”

Left unresolved for now is whether racing will commence on Sunday at Hawthorne as scheduled. Also unclear is whether Hawthorne will pay purses earned but not yet paid.

The ITHA is communicating with the property buyer and continues to push for Hawthorne to pay purses earned. We're also attempting to secure additional funds to support short-term backstretch operations.

On Sunday, prior to the hearing, three state lawmakers issued a statement calling on the "prospective new owner to show compassion for the hundreds of people and horses whose lives will be turned upside down by the closing of the historic racetrack." That statement is here.

The next hearing before the bankruptcy court is scheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesday. We anticipate learning more at that time and will keep you apprised of major developments.