US Horse Racing News | List of Open US Tracks | Bet on Horse Racing

Hawthorne Race Track

One of Illinois' Best Horse Racing Bets!

Hawthorne race track is a 119-acre horse racing track located in Stickney / Cicero, Illinois, near Chicago. Hawthorne race track is one of the most famous horse tracks in the state of Illinois.

Hawthorne race track hosts thoroughbred racing in the Spring and Fall and harness racing in the Summer.

Among the major stakes events held at Hawthorne race track are:

• Hawthorne Gold Cup Handicap - Grade II
• Illinois Derby - Grade II
• Hawthorne Derby - Grade III
• National Jockey Club Handicap - Grade III
• Robert F. Carey Memorial Handicap - Grade III
• Sixty Sails Handicap - Grade III

Hawthorne race track Description

• Hawthorne race track boasts of a one mile Dirt track and a seven furlong Turf track. The length of the stretch on the Dirt track is 1,320 feet while the width of the stretch measures 75 feet.
• Hawthorne race track has a capacity of 35,000 people.
• It has 17 barns.

Hawthorne race track History

• In 1890, Chicago businessman Edward Corrigan acquired 119 acres of land in Cicero, Illinois and commenced construction of a race track grandstand.

• In 1891, Hawthorne race track opened with a five-race card including the featured Chicago Derby.

• In 1902, Hawthorne race track's grandstand burned to the ground. The re-opened track held a 12-day summer meet at its own facility later that year.

• In 1905, Hawthorne race track was closed due to the banning of horse racing in Chicago.

• In 1909, the track was sold to Thomas Carey.

• In 1916, Hawthorne race track ran a 13-day meeting which included the American Derby.

• In 1922, the track re-opened legally for a 13-day race meeting.

• In 1924, the Chicago Business Men's Racing Association took over operations at Hawthorne race track.

• By 1927, the Hawthorne Gold Cup Handicap was introduced.

• In 1931, an electric time was introduced as was an infield tote board.

• In 1936, Hawthorne race track began the Chicago racing season with a spring meet.

• In 1948, turf racing was back at Hawthorne race track.

• In 1959, a new clubhouse was opened.

• By 1970, harness racing was introduced at Hawthorne race track.

• In 1978, a fire destroyed Hawthorne race track's grandstand.

• In 1980, Hawthorne race track officially opened for a 72-day thoroughbred meet begin at the end of September.

• In 1985, Arlington Park burned to the ground and Hawthorne race track gained all summer dates.

• In 1992, Hawthorne race track's daily average handle exceeded $2 million.

• In 1998, Hawthorne race track's racing schedule was reduced to five days per week.