Chicago, IL – A federal judge on April 20 issued a final order that will increase the debtor-in-possession loan available for Hawthorne Race Course to $20 million from $16 million through August 1. The racetrack filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in February of this year.
The Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Association in a memo to its membership noted that the loan includes the funds owed to Standardbred horsemen. The first 14 days of the 2026 Suburban Downs harness meet were canceled, and the Illinois Racing Board in late January suspended the entity’s operating license.
“The IHHA, and its attorneys, along with Hawthorne and their legal team, have been trying to get that money made available from the very beginning of this ordeal,” the horsemen’s association said in the memo.
The IHHA said the funds will become available on two dates. On April 25, money from the “non-sufficient funds” checks and uncashed checks is expected to be available. The funds that remain frozen in IHHA accounts will be available on May 16.
“There are very specific procedures in place for Hawthorne to follow now, so we cannot expect them to send out all the checks on day one,” the IHHA said. “The bookkeepers do hope to begin mailing them out sometime the following week.”
The Thoroughbred meet at Hawthorne began April 19, about three weeks later than scheduled. The Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association said that improves the prospects for continuing the race meet but the organization noted the importance of Hawthorne finding a partner or buyer.
“Much depends on whether a buyer steps up and makes a serious bid to purchase the track for the purpose of operating a racino and continuing horse racing,” the ITHA said. “If no such racing-determined buyer emerges by around July 10, then it’s possible the loan may abruptly terminate.”
ITHA President Chris Block said the organization is “cautiously optimistic” Hawthorne will find a buyer committed to Thoroughbred racing.
The second part of the 2026 harness meet (20 programs) is scheduled for November and December.