Judge in Hawthorne Bankruptcy Case Approves Funds for Track Conversion

Next Tuesday, the Judge is Expected to Rule to Unfreeze Bookkeeper Accounts

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.

Specifically, the judge entered an order authorizing payment of outstanding wages owed to Hawthorne employees and also payment for the rental equipment necessary to resurface the track.

The track conversion is expected to begin this weekend and Hawthorne officials said they aim to have the track ready for exercising by Wednesday, March 11.

On Tuesday, March 10, the judge intends to consider a motion to unfreeze the bookkeeper accounts so that ITHA members may access funds they are owed. If the judge rules in our favor — and statements in court this week suggest that outcome is likely — then funds should be available from the bookkeeper within a couple days of that order being entered.

"This is an arduous process unlike anything we've ever experienced in advance of a thoroughbred race meet in Illinois," said Chris Block, the ITHA president. "It's one step at a time and, as a testament to the success of our advocacy, these are positive steps for our members."

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