Representatives of Hawthorne Race Course, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in late February, on March 18 told the Illinois Racing Board its priority is to ensure all horsemen are paid as the process moves forward to find a buyer who will maintain racing and build a casino at the racetrack.
Author: by Tom LaMarra, USTA Web Newsroom Correspondent
Nominations due March 19 for first show in Roadster Series
The first show on the 2026 Roadster Off-Track Series schedule is rapidly approaching, and participants are reminded that horse nominations are due by Thursday (March 19) if they want to show at the Kentucky Spring Premier.
AGCO and OLG approve race dates for four Ontario tracks
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) have approved 2026 race dates for four Ontario racetracks: Woodbine Racetrack, Woodbine Mohawk Park, Fort Erie Race Track and Ajax Downs
Spring Break euthanized due to lameness issues
Winbak Farm is saddened to report the passing of Spring Break, p, 2, 1:57.4h; 3, 1:50.3z ($787,057). Spring Break was euthanized due to unresolvable lameness issues.
Italian 3-year-old – world’s fastest in 2026
At the Agnano track in Naples, the 3-year-old Italian colt, Ice Gio, driven by Antonio di Nardo, won in 1:55.2f, making him the fastest 3-year-old in the world so far in 2026.
Hall of Fame spring family fun craft workshop & egg hunt Saturday, April 4
Bring the kids to the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame, located at 240 Main Street, Goshen, NY on Saturday, April 4, 2026 from 10 – 11 a.m. for a fun-filled family event.
Donald “Skip” Hoovler obituary with arrangements
Donald “Skip” Hoovler of Pataskala, Ohio passed away peacefully on March 13, 2026, one week after celebrating his 83rd birthday with his loving family. Born on March 6, 1943, to Donald and Dolores (Moritz) Hoovler, Skip was a proud graduate of Watkins Memorial High School (Class of 1961) and Ohio University (Class of 1965).
USTA board approves three rule changes and one bylaw amendment
Three rule changes and one bylaw amendment were approved at the annual meeting of the U.S. Trotting Association’s Board of Directors, which concluded on Sunday (March 8).
Epic bad beat pushes PK 8 carryover past $80K at Big M
Everyone who has been a lifelong horseplayer has experienced something the track provides a little too often, if you ask them…The bad beat.
Woodbine receives 34 entries for slots in 2026 Mohawk Million
Woodbine Entertainment Wednesday (March 11) announced 34 individuals and/or groups submitted a contract to purchase a slot in the 2026 Mohawk Million.