by Tom Kelley, for Hawthorne Racecourse

Cicero, IL — Hawthorne Racing Secretary Robin Schadt has posted an ambitious late closing series as well as a claiming series to start the upcoming Spring-Summer meet that promises to give pacers and trotters at all levels the chance to race for “added money.”

The 10 late closers and claiming series will all carry an entry fee of $200. Nominations are due by April 15 for the late closers while the five claiming series must have their entries postmarked no later than May 1.

The complete late closing and claiming series schedules, as well as instructions and nomination forms, can be found at www.hawthorneracecourse.com or at this link.

Standardbred racing is scheduled to begin on Kentucky Derby weekend with the opener on Friday (May 4) and will be conducted through Monday (Sept. 24).

Another reminder that nominations for the Night of Champions ICF 2-year-old stake season are due by April 15. That cost is $1,250. Horsemen will also be able to supplement to these stakes for a cost of $2,250 by May 15. Supplemental nominations for the 3-year-old crop of state-bred pacers and trotters is also May 15 and the cost is $2,750. Older stakes for the Night of Champions require only a $500 fee at the time of entry for the stake. A complete stakes schedule and nomination forms can be found on the Hawthorne website as well.

Everyone participating at Hawthorne, whether stabled on track or off track, must submit a stall application and/or stable roster. Stall applications are also available at www.hawthorneracecourse.com. Applications should be sent to Jim Miller, c/o Hawthorne Race Course, 3501 S. Laramie Ave., Cicero, IL 60804, or they can be faxed to his attention at 708.780.3727. Current proof of up to date vaccinations is also required for any horse entering the grounds at Hawthorne Race Course.

Applications are due no later than April 15. Horsemen are reminded that there is a “straw only” policy in all barns at Hawthorne. No shavings or sawdust will be allowed.