The Illinois Racing Board has ordered financially strapped Hawthorne Race Course in Stickney, Ill., to cease live horse racing and off-track betting operations – at least temporarily. The order, made late Friday afternoon, came after Standardbred horsemen at the current harness meet were issued a second round of checks with non-sufficient funds to cover purses and, according to communications within the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association board of directors, Hawthorne failed to secure required bonds for 2026.
A notice posted at one of Hawthorne’s OTBs that was shared on social media stated: “We apologize for the inconvenience. Our pari-mutuel operations are temporarily shut down. There will be no wagering Saturday, January 3rd or Sunday, January 4th. Sportsbook wagering is currently operational.”
