Stickney, IL — Last Friday (March 22), Hawthorne Race Course, along with the Chicago Blackhawks and hockey legend Eddie Olczyk, hosted a VIP party at Hawthorne.

A United States Hockey Hall of Famer, Olczyk is known worldwide for his years on the ice, and currently as the color analyst for NBC for the NHL. While hockey is Olczyk’s first passion, horse racing isn’t too far behind. A winner of multiple handicapping contests, Olczyk has owned numerous Thoroughbreds but is now trying his hand in Standardbred ownership as well.

The Friday event at Hawthorne hosted 150 VIP winners through the Chicago Blackhawks who were on site for a day of wagering, along with a chance to win their share of a Standardbred horse. The horse, 2-year-old Illinois-bred filly Olympic Hopeful, will be racing at Hawthorne this summer for trainer Angie Coleman. Olympic Hopeful is offered through TheStable.ca, a fractional ownership group based in Canada and run by Anthony MacDonald.

At the Friday event, five winners each won a four percent share of Olympic Hopeful for the racing season. They are Natalie Cozzi, Christine Koeller, Eddie Rivera, Chris Sroka, and Brian Vlaisavich. They will join Olczyk as he has ownership of the filly as well.

“Fractional ownership is one of racing’s fastest ways to introduce new owners to racing at a minimal cost,” stated Hawthorne Assistant General Manager John Walsh. “What Anthony MacDonald has done through TheStable.ca is grow interest exponentially in harness racing, with numerous stakes-caliber horses racing across North America. To team up with TheStable.ca, Eddie Olczyk, and Hawthorne Race Course in our Own a Horse promotion is just a perfect fit for all involved.”

Hawthorne Race Course, Chicago’s Hometown Track, returned for spring Thoroughbred racing on March 15. The summer harness meet opens on Friday (May 3) and races through Sept. 24. Fall Thoroughbreds close out the year, running from Oct. 10 through Dec. 28. For more information, visit www.Hawthorneracecourse.com or contact Hawthorne at 708.780.3700.