Hawthorne Racecourse
Quote from Lonnie on November 4, 2025, 10:55 AMI see that they're back racing starting on Friday, November 7, 2025.
Who is going to go on opening night?
I see that they're back racing starting on Friday, November 7, 2025.
Who is going to go on opening night?
Quote from MaywoodAl on November 4, 2025, 11:57 AMIt may be the worst venue to watch live races. There was supposed to be a casino, so the grandstand started getting demolished (interior). There has been no progress in at least five years. A small portion of the ground floor remains open, part is a sports book and then a small viewing area, plus an area for betting and off-track.
Outside is confined to the run-up to the first turn, and part of turn. The viewing area is past the start/finish line.
Over zealous security will pounce if just walking around or wearing a backpack. Saw a scuffle with a guy having a backpack (he had a young kid, so stuff for the kid). Guy should have just brought it back to the car, but combo of him and security force being jerks, he got overwhelmed by about five guys.
I've had security yell at me a few times, for just walking around. (They think I heading past the small restricted space, I am just walking around trying to keep warm.) The inside people are from a 80's scene of people screaming/swearing at the TV's. I also had to bring my backpack to the car.
Hawthorne is down to 34 racing dates in 2026. During the late 90's there were over 500 harness programs at the Illinois tracks.
Thestable used to have a couple Illinois breds, I bought in and would go to watch. None this year,. Every time I go I say this is the last time. I'll probably pop in once or twice if I am in the area. I don't stay for more than a few races since so depressing.
I'm flying out of Midway Saturday morning(close to Hawthorne), but not worth spending $ on a nearby hotel.
Flying into BWI. Laurel, Dover Downs, Charles Town. Maybe Philly and/or Rosecroft. Harpers Ferry National Park, maybe Gettysburg or Antietam, Visit my son 14th-16th.
It may be the worst venue to watch live races. There was supposed to be a casino, so the grandstand started getting demolished (interior). There has been no progress in at least five years. A small portion of the ground floor remains open, part is a sports book and then a small viewing area, plus an area for betting and off-track.
Outside is confined to the run-up to the first turn, and part of turn. The viewing area is past the start/finish line.
Over zealous security will pounce if just walking around or wearing a backpack. Saw a scuffle with a guy having a backpack (he had a young kid, so stuff for the kid). Guy should have just brought it back to the car, but combo of him and security force being jerks, he got overwhelmed by about five guys.
I've had security yell at me a few times, for just walking around. (They think I heading past the small restricted space, I am just walking around trying to keep warm.) The inside people are from a 80's scene of people screaming/swearing at the TV's. I also had to bring my backpack to the car.
Hawthorne is down to 34 racing dates in 2026. During the late 90's there were over 500 harness programs at the Illinois tracks.
Thestable used to have a couple Illinois breds, I bought in and would go to watch. None this year,. Every time I go I say this is the last time. I'll probably pop in once or twice if I am in the area. I don't stay for more than a few races since so depressing.
I'm flying out of Midway Saturday morning(close to Hawthorne), but not worth spending $ on a nearby hotel.
Flying into BWI. Laurel, Dover Downs, Charles Town. Maybe Philly and/or Rosecroft. Harpers Ferry National Park, maybe Gettysburg or Antietam, Visit my son 14th-16th.
Quote from Bgtolex25 on November 4, 2025, 4:46 PM@maywoodal Safe travels Al. Gettysburg on my bucket list. We are heading to San Antonio to visit and support family in military at Ft Sam Houston. Career guy, not currently getting paid. My thoughts and words, not his, but praying that there isn’t some bull$hit false flag war coming soon. These men and women have to cash the checks that cowards and idiots never seem to get tired writing. Had to get that off my chest.
@maywoodal Safe travels Al. Gettysburg on my bucket list. We are heading to San Antonio to visit and support family in military at Ft Sam Houston. Career guy, not currently getting paid. My thoughts and words, not his, but praying that there isn’t some bull$hit false flag war coming soon. These men and women have to cash the checks that cowards and idiots never seem to get tired writing. Had to get that off my chest.
Quote from Lonnie on November 10, 2025, 10:17 PMNice card on tap this Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Hawthorns Racecourse:
Nice card on tap this Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Hawthorns Racecourse:
Quote from MaywoodAl on November 11, 2025, 10:52 PM
2024 2025 Maurello $60,000 $50,000 83% Kadabra $132,858 $118,000 89% FV Flan $144,637 $110,000 76% CBecker $80,000 $50,000 63% PLangley $60,000 $50,000 83% CareyJr $155,244 $110,000 71% IncrTillie $224,623 $142,000 63% IncrFinale $226,545 $138,000 61% Plesac $60,000 $50,000 83% PlumPeachy $189,701 $116,000 61% EDygert $134,744 $88,000 65% BDygert $109,658 $83,000 76% $1,578,010 $1,105,000 70% Big drop in purses from last year's Super Night. I am having trouble finding earlier year's purses. Was over $2.2 million for a few years. Shows how much the breeding has dropped in Illinois.
Supposedly there is a chance for legislation in January for a new track in Decatur and an end to Hawthorne exclusivity in Chicago area.
| 2024 | 2025 | ||
| Maurello | $60,000 | $50,000 | 83% |
| Kadabra | $132,858 | $118,000 | 89% |
| FV Flan | $144,637 | $110,000 | 76% |
| CBecker | $80,000 | $50,000 | 63% |
| PLangley | $60,000 | $50,000 | 83% |
| CareyJr | $155,244 | $110,000 | 71% |
| IncrTillie | $224,623 | $142,000 | 63% |
| IncrFinale | $226,545 | $138,000 | 61% |
| Plesac | $60,000 | $50,000 | 83% |
| PlumPeachy | $189,701 | $116,000 | 61% |
| EDygert | $134,744 | $88,000 | 65% |
| BDygert | $109,658 | $83,000 | 76% |
| $1,578,010 | $1,105,000 | 70% |
Big drop in purses from last year's Super Night. I am having trouble finding earlier year's purses. Was over $2.2 million for a few years. Shows how much the breeding has dropped in Illinois.
Supposedly there is a chance for legislation in January for a new track in Decatur and an end to Hawthorne exclusivity in Chicago area.