Stall applications for the 2017 summer harness meet at Hawthorne Race Course are now available. The five-month summer season will begin on Thursday, May 11 and will race through Sunday, September 24.
Horsepeople that raced at Hawthorne in 2016 will have stall applications mailed to them, but can also access the application through the Hawthorne website under the ‘Horsemen’ section. Stall applications are due no later than April 1, as stalls will be allotted by April 15.
Harness Racing Secretary Robin Schadt has put together an expanded list of conditions that will allow for horses racing at all levels to be competitive. Additionally, purses for 2017 will be increased 30 – 40 per cent across the board.
In addition to the increase in purses, Illinois conceived and foaled horses will race for some added bonuses in 2017. For those conditions restricted to Illinois-bred horses, the purse will be increased 10 per cent off the purse for an open condition. Illinois-bred horses will also receive a 50 per cent allowance when racing with open horses. This will allow Illinois-bred horses to be more competitive against open company at all conditioned levels.
In 2017, Hawthorne will conduct three racing meets. Spring Thoroughbreds kick off March 3 and race through April 29. The summer harness meet will race May 11 through September 24. Fall Thoroughbreds return October 6 and race through December 30.
(With files from Hawthorne Race Course)