Hawthorne Race Course, the Illinois Harness Horsemen's Association and the Illinois Department of Agriculture would like remind horsemen that nominating payments for the 2016 Cardinal and Violet Stakes, to be contested at Hawthorne Race Course, are due to the Illinois Department of Agriculture by Monday, Feb. 15.

The three-year-old Violet and Cardinal Finals for trotters will be held on Thursday, July 14, with eliminations on July 7. The three-year-old Violet Final for filly pacers will be held on Friday, July 15, with eliminations on July 8. The three-year-old Cardinal Final for colt and gelding pacers will be held on Saturday, July 16, with eliminations on July 9. (Dates are subject to change). Purses for these races are yet to be determined.

The two-year-old Violet and Cardinal Stakes are tentatively scheduled for late September at Hawthorne as well and those nomination payments are due on April 15.

Staking payments for the Cardinal and Violent events are made to the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Nomination forms and payment information may be found here.

Any questions can be directed to the Bureau of County Fairs & Horse Racing at 217-782-4231.

(With files from Hawthorne Race Course)