Chicago, IL — The Illinois Racing Board at its Nov. 16 meeting approved a request by Suburban Downs at Hawthorne Race Course to trim five racing dates from its 2023 Standardbred meet.

The fall harness meet began Sept. 9 and concludes Dec. 31. Hawthorne will drop five Saturdays: Nov. 25 and Dec. 2, 9, 16 and 30. That will reduce total racing programs during the meet to 43.

Hawthorne officials told the IRB that there is a shortage of horses as well as more competition for pari-mutuel handle on Saturday evenings. Wagering on Hawthorne races has been much stronger on Sunday and Monday evenings, they said, and if the horse population permits the track will card additional races on the remaining two programs.

The IRB noted the Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Association signed off on the dates reduction.

At the October meeting of the IRB, Hawthorne received approval to shift Friday programs to Monday nights to coincide with its harness schedule in January and early February of 2024.