About Hawthorne Race Course

The Hawthorne Race Course has been around since 1891, making it the oldest horse racing track in Chicago. Located only 20 minutes from downtown Chicago, Hawthorne Race Course is great for locals and tourists alike. Live racing takes place during Spring and Fall, and admission is less than $5 per day. The race track is open year-round for off-track simulcast betting.

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Hawthorne Race Track History

In 1905, horse racing was banned in Chicago, leading to the closure of Hawthorne Race Course. In 1909, the track was sold to Thomas Carey who tried to reopen the track twice but was stopped by the sheriff's department and the local police. But in 1916, the track ran a 13-day meeting which included the American Derby. That would be the last race until 1922.

In 1922, the track reopened legally for a 13-day race meeting. In 1923, the meet expanded again to 25 days. The Chicago Business Men's Racing Association took over racing operations in 1924 and ran a 52-day meet in the fall. This same year a new clubhouse was constructed at Hawthorne Race Course, and a form of pari-mutuel betting was introduced. By 1927, the race track was gaining prominence on the national scene.

The track introduced Daily Double wagering to Chicago and used a new infrared timer in the early 1930s. In 1936, the track began the Chicago racing season with a spring meet. The Hawthorne Race Course continued to advance in the 1930s and 1940s, taking over the racing dates of Lincoln Fields Racetrack as well as racing earlier in the spring. The track also introduced races restricted to Illinois-bred horses.

Turf racing returned to Hawthorne in 1948 with the renovation of the racing strip and the introduction of a six-furlong turf course. In 1959, a new clubhouse was opened with vastly expanded seating to serve the racing needs of the Chicago market. The track continued to thrive during the 1960s and 1970s, but it had crested in attendance and the attendance slowly began to drop.

In 1985, Arlington Park burned to the ground and Hawthorne Race Course gained all summer dates except Arlington Million day. In 1986, 1987 and 1988 the track also held these summertime meetings. The horse racing track continues to do well having a very good 1990s. Hawthorne is now second tier to Arlington Park, the premier thoroughbred track in Chicago.

Hawthorne Race Track Details

Hawthorne Race Course has a one-mile dirt oval and a seven-furlong turf oval. One of the longest in the country, the main track home stretch is 1,320 feet. Spend a day at the horse racing track with friendly staff and great food. From casual to corporate, you can choose an amenity package to fit any event with a variety of room and dining options. Hawthorne Race Course is also able to host many outdoors events including concerts, festivals, RV shows, reunions, art fairs and more.

Address

3501 South Laramie Avenue, Cicero, Illinois 60804