Stickney, IL — In honor of the Juneteenth holiday, Hawthorne Race Course recognized the many black drivers competing in Illinois by hosting the first pari-mutuel race in the state with a field of horses driven by all black drivers.  The Juneteenth Celebration race went as race nine on Saturday night’s (June 20) Hawthorne card as Coach Loman, driven by Archie Buford was sent off as the wagering favorite in the full field of ten.

Hawthorne Racecourse celebrated Juneteenth on Saturday night by honoring black drivers. Hawthorne Racecourse photo.

Leaving for the lead was Bombay Bobby, driven by Cornelius Cavett as he was challenged by Mayor Virgin and driver Terry Skinner through an opening quarter in :29.4.  At the half, Jamaica Patton guided Todd’s Party to the front while Hosea Williams pushed things along with Flying Marvin in :59.1.  Into the lane, Todd’s Party held the lead as Coach Loman and Mayor Virgin put in valiant bids but Todd’s Party was too good, winning in 1:55.2.  Mayor Virgin battled on to finish second while Coach Loman held third.

Todd’s Party was driven and trained by Jamaica Patton and owned by Bruce and Mary Alexander. The win was the second-lifetime win for Todd’s Party as he went off as the co-second choice at 4-1.

The drivers competing in the Juneteenth Celebration Race were Jamaica Patton, Archie Buford, Cordarius Stewart, Jamaal Denson, Jordan Patton, Curtis Bradford, Hosea Williams, Cornelius Cavett, Terry Skinner and Freddie Patton, Jr.

Hawthorne Race Course, Chicago’s Hometown Track, races three meets in 2021.  The spring thoroughbred meet concluded on April 25. The summer Suburban Downs at Hawthorne harness meet began Friday, May 7 and races every Friday-Sunday until September 26.  The fall thoroughbred meet opens October 1 and races through December 26. First post nightly for harness is 7:10 PM.

Beginning in June, post time on Sunday night will be 6:30 PM. For any information about Hawthorne Race Course visit the website www.HawthorneRaceCourse.com.