Illinois Racing Board Suspends Hawthorne Harness Racing License
The Illinois Racing Board has suspended the organization license of Suburban Downs, Inc., the operator responsible for harness racing at Hawthorne Race Course in Stickney, Illinois.
The regulator said the suspension was issued after Suburban Downs failed to provide documentation demonstrating financial integrity and compliance with minimum operational standards required under the Illinois Horse Racing Act and Title 11 of the Illinois Administrative Code.
Financial Documentation Concerns
According to the Board, requests for bank statements and operating fund records were made earlier this month. The regulator cited concerns about Suburban Downs’ ability to support its assigned 2026 racing dates, as well as earlier failures to submit required surety bonds, which led to the cancellation of January 3–4 race dates.
While Suburban Downs had been awarded 34 harness racing dates for 2026 under the Board’s approved racing calendar, all licenses remain conditional upon ongoing compliance with financial and regulatory requirements.
Regulatory Authority and Next Steps
In its formal notice, the Illinois Racing Board referenced statutory provisions granting it authority to request financial records from licensees and affiliated parties. The Board also cited administrative rules related to purse payments and financial solvency.
The regulator emphasized that the suspension is not permanent. Suburban Downs may seek reinstatement by curing the cited violations and providing documentation proving it meets required standards, including financial integrity and operational capability.
Industry Implications
The decision underscores the Board’s focus on enforcing compliance and financial transparency within Illinois’ racing industry. Regulators reiterated that all licensed operators must demonstrate the ability to operate responsibly and protect participants, purse funds, and the integrity of the racing product.
The Board said it will continue to monitor compliance closely before approving any reinstatement.
