Hawthorne Race Course

Illinois harness racing at Hawthorne Race Course

Illinois Racing Board Suspends Suburban Downs License

January 27, 2026

The Illinois Racing Board announced on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026 that it has suspended the Organization License of Suburban Downs, Inc., operator of Hawthorne Race Course.

Illinois harness racing at Hawthorne Race Course

Racing Vacated Again At Hawthorne This Weekend

January 23, 2026

In a statement posted on Thursday, Jan. 22, the Illinois Harness Horsemen's Association notified participants that racing for Saturday, Jan. 24 and Sunday, Jan. 25 at Hawthorne Race Course was cancell...

Illinois harness racing at Hawthorne Race Course

Weekend Cards Cancelled Again At Hawthorne

January 17, 2026

For the third straight weekend, the cards of harness racing slated for Hawthorne Race Course have been cancelled.

Illinois harness racing at Hawthorne Race Course

Hawthorne Cards For Saturday, Sunday Postponed

January 10, 2026

After previously stating that racing would resume in Illinois this weekend, the Illinois Harness Horsemen's Association (IHHA) stated on Friday night that the cards slated for Saturday, Jan. 10 and Su...

Illinois harness racing at Hawthorne Race Course

Saturday, Sunday Cards Cancelled At Hawthorne

January 03, 2026

The live cards of harness racing slated for this weekend (Jan. 3 and 4) at Hawthorne Race Course have been cancelled due to an Illinois Racing Board mandate.

Erv Miller and connections in the winner's circle

Miller Takes 7,000th Win On Night Of Champions

November 16, 2025

Erv Miller became the third trainer in North American harness racing history to reach 7,000 career wins as he won two ICF Championships on Illinois Night of Champions at Hawthorne Race Course.

Illinois harness racing at Hawthorne Race Course

Top Performances On 2024 Night Of Champions

November 10, 2024

Hawthorne Race Course hosted the 2024 Illinois Night of Champions on Saturday, Nov. 9 as 12 stakes finals were contested for a total of nearly $2.2 million in purses.

Illinois harness racing at Hawthorne Race Course

Illinois Night Of Champions Saturday At Hawthorne

November 07, 2024

The fields for the 12 Night of Champions stakes finals have been assembled, as the best in the state of Illinois will be in the spotlight on Saturday night, Nov. 9 at Hawthorne Race Course.

Gorgeous Big Guy

Big Performances During Night Of Champions At Hawthorne

October 14, 2023

Ominous skies loomed over Hawthorne Race Course much of the day on Saturday (Oct. 14) evening but the rains cleared as the track was listed as good for Night of Champions. Twelve stakes finals were co...

Hawthorne Set For Night Of Champions Saturday

October 13, 2023

The top Illinois-bred horses will be competing for more than $1 million in purses on Saturday, Oct. 14 as 12 stakes events will be contested during Night of Champions at Hawthorne.

Illinois harness racing at Hawthorne Race Course

New Illinois Racetrack Proposed

Plans have been made public for a proposed new Illinois racetrack.

Apple Valley winning at Hawthorne Race Course

Hawthorne Set For Illinois Night Of Champions

September 08, 2022

Twelve stakes finals will be taking place on Saturday, Sept. 10 at Hawthorne with more than $1.2 million in purses on the line, all for Illinois-breds, during the Night of Champions.

Harness racing at Hawthorne Race Course

Top Illinois Breds In Peak Form Heading To Springfield

August 01, 2022

With racing at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield beginning next week, the top Illinois-bred horses are ready to put on a show in front of the huge state fair crowds.