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

"Hawthorne has informed the Illinois Racing Board that it will vacate this weekend’s race dates due to its unresolved banking issue," said the Illinois Harness Horseman's Association (IHHA) in a statement on Friday, Jan. 16. "The IHHA has agreed with this decision. However, there will be purse distribution this week: Hawthorne has committed to distributing the purse money equally among all horses entered in each race that was scheduled for this weekend. These funds will be reflected in horsemen’s accounts in the coming days and will be available once the banking issue is resolved. 

"Hawthorne has stated it is confident the situation will be resolved in the upcoming week and intends to resume racing next weekend," the statement continued. "We appreciate your patience as we continue working to ensure every horseman receives the money they are owed."

(with files from the Illinois Harness Horseman's Association)