ITHA Year End Message
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
Message from ITHA President Chris Block:
The end of the year marks another milestone in the perseverance of Illinois thoroughbred owners and trainers against daunting challenges. We’re proud of what we accomplished in 2025, from our quality horsemanship and safety record on the track to advocacy at the Capitol and support for programs that enrich the lives of backstretch workers and their families.
Dec. 31 also is the date by which Tim Carey said he would announce the solution to our industry’s troubles — a finalized deal for Hawthorne Race Course to build and operate a casino that will generate the funds necessary to supplement purses. Hawthorne’s pronouncement of Dec. 31 as its deadline is the latest in a long line of assurances, but it’s the one on which the very future of our industry now depends. It’s only with the additional purse funds from a racino that Illinois thoroughbred racing may survive, compete and, ultimately, flourish.
The Reality at Hawthorne
We cannot sugarcoat the dire reality. It has been more than six years since the Illinois General Assembly passed the gaming expansion legislation to revitalize our sport. The vision was clear: enhancing Hawthorne as a racino will boost purses and could also turn the track into a major entertainment destination. That in turn will help broaden the state’s tax revenue base, retain and create jobs, bolster agriculture, reinvigorate the racehorse breeding industry, and boost tourism.
The racino concept is the proven business model for horse racing across North America. The state granted Hawthorne the privilege of a casino license specifically to save Illinois racing. But without that revenue engine, we are operating on the brink. Instead of a thriving racino and rebounding industry, we have faced continued delays. Purses are declining, fields are shrinking, and handle is plummeting.
Resilience in the Face of Uncertainty
As we wait for Hawthorne to honor its commitment to racing, the ITHA is doing its part to increase purses. At the Capitol last spring, the ITHA's lobbying team successfully secured a $900,000 boost for Hawthorne thoroughbred purses when legislators agreed to share a portion of the surplus funds accumulated in the state's Horse Racing Fund.
I’m moved by the resilience of the ITHA Board of Directors and our membership. Despite the headwinds facing our industry, the ITHA has remained steadfast in our mission: to protect our sport, advocate for our horsemen and horsewomen, and support the workers who are the backbone of our industry.
Our Commitment to the Community
We continue to support backstretch workers and their families. The Illinois Backstretch Charitable Foundation’s college scholarship program has helped hundreds of students — children of backstretch workers and trainers — seek higher education. We’re proud and excited to invest in the next generation.
We’re also looking toward the future of our industry by hosting the annual Urban Equine Discovery Program on the Hawthorne backstretch. It’s heart-warming to watch students from a Cicero high school spend a week immersing themselves in our world — learning about horse anatomy, agriculture, and racetrack operations. Seeing several of those students depart with a determination to pursue careers in veterinary medicine was a reminder of the important role this industry plays in Illinois agriculture and education.
The IBCF also hosts a number of fun activities for backstretch families throughout the year. Our Easter celebration, summer backstretch picnic, Thanksgiving holiday meal, annual Christmas party and gift giveaway, and trips to destinations such as Brookfield Zoo are among the backstretch favorites.
Awaiting Hawthorne’s Promise
We respect the decades of stewardship the Carey family has provided, keeping Hawthorne alive through difficult times. Our membership now depends on Hawthorne to deliver on its promise.
ITHA members have persevered. We have continued to race and care for our equine athletes with unwavering dedication. We deserve a partner who is equally committed to the future. We cannot afford to wait another year. The time for action is now.
Thank You ITHA Vice President Marty Nixon and Thunder Cares, His Charitable Organization, for Supporting Galloping Out and the IBCF
Thunder Cares donated $20,000 to the Illinois Backstretch Charitable Foundation, so backstretch families will enjoy Target gift cards this holiday season, and $7,500 to Galloping Out. Marty Nixon, pictured here on left, presented a check to Galloping Out President Chris Block.
Thank You ITHA Director Steve Holland for Donating $5,000 to the IBCF to Support the Scholarship Program
Thank You All IBCF Supporters
Your kindness and generosity mean we can continue to support our backstretch community through essential scholarships and fun family experiences like our recent trip to Brookfield Zoo and our holiday celebrations. We are deeply grateful for your donations, as the Illinois Backstretch Charitable Foundation could not do this important work without you.
Thank You Santa for Bringing Joy (and a Shriek) to Backstretch Youth at the IBCF's Holiday Party
See all the pictures of the 2025 IBCF Holiday Party Here
