With Hawthorne's Bankruptcy Hearing Continuing Tomorrow, ITHA Leaders Are Optimistic the Judge Will Protect the Interests of Our Members

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

Hawthorne Race Course officials made their first appearance today in federal bankruptcy court and the judge presiding over the case appeared sympathetic to the plight of Illinois thoroughbred horsemen and horsewomen.

Based on the courtroom exchange, and most especially comments from the judge, ITHA leaders departed the hearing today reasonably optimistic that the judge will protect the interests of Illinois thoroughbred owners and trainers.

The hearing will continue tomorrow. Another hearing likely will occur Tuesday, March 10.

“We won’t know for sure until the judge has actually ruled,” said Chris Block, the ITHA president.

“But the judge today appeared inclined to see that our members will regain access to their accounts with the Hawthorne bookkeeper and also that Hawthorne will have the financial wherewithal to begin the spring meet. If both of those come to pass, that will be very good news.”

ITHA in Court, Advocating for Our Members

The ITHA has retained legal counsel to advocate for our members in this bankruptcy proceeding. We will continue to pursue the following objectives:

1) All thoroughbred accounts that exist with Hawthorne’s bookkeeper should be made whole and accessible to our members as soon as possible.

2) Hawthorne’s track surface should be converted to a thoroughbred surface as soon as possible so that exercise and training may begin.

3) Hawthorne’s thoroughbred meet this year should start by early April.

We will keep our members apprised of significant developments.