In a statement posted on Thursday, Jan. 22, the Illinois Harness Horsemen's Association (IHHA) notified participants that racing for Saturday (Jan. 24) and Sunday (Jan. 25) at Hawthorne Race Course was once again cancelled as the track's banking issues remain unresolved.

"Hawthorne Racecourse has again requested approval from the Illinois Racing Board to vacate the Jan. 24–25 race dates, as its banking issues remain unresolved," said Jeff Davis, IHHA President. "This marks yet another weekend where racing cannot proceed because horsemen cannot be paid. We have formally asked the Illinois Racing Board to begin discussing alternative options, as repeating this same outcome week after week is not workable for horsemen or the industry.

"Our position remains unchanged: racing should not resume until horsemen have reliable access to their earned funds. We will provide further updates as soon as they are available."

(with files from IHHA)