Hawthorne Race Course has canceled live racing for a third consecutive weekend as unresolved banking issues continue to delay payments to horsemen, leaving more than $1 million in purses and outstanding checks unpaid.
The Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Association confirmed that Saturday and Sunday’s programs were scrapped after Hawthorne informed regulators that it could not meet its financial obligations. The track said the cancellations were necessary due to an unresolved banking problem that has frozen access to funds.
Hawthorne has committed to distributing purse money from the canceled races once the banking issue is resolved. Horsemen have been told that records of the unpaid funds will appear in their accounts in the coming days, with payments expected once the track regains access to its bank account.
Frozen bank account leaves more than $1 million unpaid
Details surrounding the banking disruption remain limited, but state regulators have confirmed that Hawthorne’s primary bank account is frozen. Illinois Racing Board officials said the freeze has caused a wave of returned checks, beginning in December.
Roughly $500,000 in checks have already bounced, and horsemen are holding an additional $300,000 to $400,000 in unpaid checks that they have not attempted to cash because of the known issue. When combined with $140,000 in purses from the most recent canceled weekend, the total amount owed to participants now exceeds $1 million.
Track management has told regulators and horsemen that the funds are available and that the issue is related to a banking relationship problem rather than a lack of cash. However, no public explanation has been provided for why the account was frozen or when full access will be restored.
Racing license restored but live racing remains stalled
The current Standardbred meet was scheduled to run every Saturday and Sunday from early January through mid February. That schedule has now been interrupted three times.
The first cancellation occurred after the Illinois Racing Board determined Hawthorne did not have a valid racing license for 2026 due to a missing surety bond. Although that bond issue was later resolved and regulatory approval was restored, the banking disruption has since prevented racing from resuming.
Hawthorne now expects to return to live racing on January 24 and 25, with entries open until January 22. Officials said they are hopeful that a solution will be reached within the coming week, but no firm timeline has been given. Horsemen have been told that purse money from the canceled weekend will be distributed evenly among all horses entered in the scheduled races, once banking access is restored.
Horsemen warn of growing financial strain
Industry groups have warned that the prolonged delays are placing severe financial pressure on trainers, drivers, owners, and stable staff who rely on timely purse payments to cover operating costs.
The Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association described the ongoing cancellations as deeply troubling and said the uncertainty could jeopardize the planned spring thoroughbred meet, which is scheduled to begin on March 29. The group has called on both Hawthorne and the Illinois Racing Board to provide clearer information about the track’s financial condition and the steps being taken to ensure live racing can continue.
Horsemen have also questioned whether Hawthorne has the financial capacity to operate through the remainder of the year, particularly given its existing obligations tied to construction debt, operational expenses, and unpaid settlements with other racing entities.
Illinois Racing Board weighs its enforcement options
The Illinois Racing Board has confirmed that one of the bounced checks was issued to the state itself, an obligation that Hawthorne later resolved. Regulators have reserved the right to take further enforcement action if payments are not restored or if additional compliance failures occur.
Earlier this month, the board temporarily shut down Hawthorne’s live racing and off track betting network after a second round of non sufficient funds checks was reported. That order was lifted only after the track secured the required surety bond and pledged to address the payment failures.
Hawthorne has also faced pressure from racing partners who have cut off simulcast signals due to unpaid settlement funds. Several major tracks have already halted exports to Hawthorne, sharply reducing betting handle at its off track locations.
Hawthorne’s broader financial instability deepens
Hawthorne is the only remaining racetrack in the Chicago area following the closure of Arlington Park in 2021. It holds veto rights that prevent the construction of competing harness racinos within 35 miles, a power that some horsemen have asked lawmakers to revoke.
The track has struggled financially since beginning demolition of its grandstand in 2020 as part of a planned casino racetrack redevelopment. Construction stalled after Hawthorne failed to secure a casino partner, leaving the site partially dismantled and burdened by contractor liens.
Management has previously told regulators that it expected to secure a financing partner and reopen construction, but no such announcement has been made. A bridge loan that has supported ongoing operations is also nearing renewal, adding another layer of uncertainty.
Fanatics sportsbook continues operating despite racing halt
While pari mutuel racing and off track betting operations have been repeatedly disrupted, Hawthorne’s sports wagering partner has continued operating without interruption.
Fanatics Sportsbook remains active both online and at retail locations tied to Hawthorne, including four off track betting facilities in the Chicago area. The sportsbook operates under a market access agreement that runs through September 2028.
Hawthorne targets late January return to racing
Hawthorne has said it is confident the banking issue will be resolved within the coming week and that live racing will resume as scheduled on January 24. Horsemen have been told to expect purse balances to appear in their accounts shortly, pending access to frozen funds.
For now, uncertainty remains high. The track faces mounting pressure from regulators, horsemen, and industry partners to demonstrate financial stability and restore confidence in its ability to operate.
The next several days will be critical. If payments are not released and racing does not resume, Hawthorne could face deeper regulatory action and lasting damage to its standing as Northern Illinois’ last active racetrack.
