Staple Chicago Horse Racing Track Files for Bankruptcy

One of the last of its kind horse racing tracks in Chicago has filed for bankruptcy, leaving something of an uncertain future for a community staple that recently underwent a significant remodel.

I have a personal connection to Hawthorne Race Course in Stickney, IL. My dad and I used to spend one or two sleepy Sunday mornings at the track when I was a kid. My dad would order a pitcher or two of beer and let me browse the program to pick out a couple horses I liked. He would place a wager, and I would watch the horses race in awe. Even when I go back to Hawthorne, usually only once a year, it brings me back to a simpler time in my life.

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Hawthorne Race Course Files for Bankruptcy:

Hawthorne Race Course has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy with the hopes of finding a new investor upon restructuring their debt. The track has been around for 134 years, and following the closure of Arlington International Park (which will hopefully be the future home of the Chicago Bears), it is the only horse racetrack left in northern Illinois for both thoroughbreds and harness racing, per ABC 7 Chicago.

A family-owned operation, Hawthorne has struggled even after being granted a license to have casino gambling on its premises. On top of not being able to take full advantage of their gaming license, they even had to cancel the last two months of harness racing season.

To make matters even worse, horsemen must make the decision of whether or not to race thoroughbreds at Hawthorne this season or seek an alternate venue in a completely different state. More than just a destination for locals, Hawthorne is a pillar of a lot of livelihoods in the horse racing community.

Read more about Hawthorne Race Course in Stickney, IL filing for bankruptcy on ABC 7 Chicago's website.