IRB Renews Hawthorne Racing Licenses

The Illinois Racing Board on Monday shared the following statement with media outlets:

On January 2nd, the Illinois Racing Board notified Hawthorne Race Course, Inc. and Suburban Downs, Inc. that they had not met the requirements of the Illinois Horse Racing Act and conditions for issuance of their 2026 licenses, and as such, the Board was unable to issue any licenses to them at that time to operate in 2026.

Over the weekend, they were able to correct the deficiencies and are now in compliance. The Illinois Racing Board issued the following 2026 licenses to Hawthorne Race Course and Suburban Downs on January 5, 2026:

• 2026 Organization Licenses for Hawthorne Race Course and Suburban Downs

• Advance Deposit Wagering License to Hawthorne Race Course, Inc.

• Intertrack Wagering License to Hawthorne Race Course, Inc.

• Intertrack Wagering License to Suburban Downs, Inc.

• Intertrack Wagering Location Licenses to Hawthorne Race Course, Inc. for locations in Joliet, Lansing, Prospect Heights, Crestwood, Oakbrook Terrace, Evergreen Park, Hoffman Estates, McHenry, North Aurora, Rockford, and Villa Park.

ITHA Remains Gravely Concerned

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

It is incumbent on Hawthorne to demonstrate to the working men and women of our sport and industry that its financial condition is sufficient to support uninterrupted thoroughbred racing this year.

It's also past time for Hawthorne to finalize the terms of a deal to operate a racino to generate the additional purse funds necessary to ensure that Illinois thoroughbred racing may survive, compete and, ultimately, flourish.