Harness Racing's Resilience in the Face of Adversity

As the Chicago area braces for a sudden shift in weather, the return of harness racing to Hawthorne Race Course marks a significant moment in the sport's ongoing adaptation to the changing landscape of Illinois racing. With the closure of Arlington International Racecourse, Hawthorne has become the sole remaining racetrack in the Chicago metropolitan area, forcing the standardbreds and thoroughbreds to share the stage and navigate a complex schedule that has been in flux for the past few years.

Overcoming Obstacles, Preserving a Proud Tradition

The Disappearance of Arlington and the Rise of Hawthorne

The decision by corporate overlord Churchill Downs, Inc. (CDI) to shut down the iconic Arlington International Racecourse has had a profound impact on the Illinois racing industry. The elimination of this thoroughbred showcase has left Hawthorne Race Course as the sole racetrack in the Chicago area, forcing it to accommodate both the standardbreds and the thoroughbreds. This shift has led to a series of experimental schedules, with the 2023-24 calendar marking the fourth time in as many years that the racing calendar has been adjusted to accommodate the changing landscape.The loss of Arlington has also had a ripple effect on the plans for a $400 million racino at Hawthorne, which would have provided a much-needed subsidy to purses. With large portions of the grandstand and clubhouse torn down in 2020, these plans have been stalled, further compounding the challenges faced by the Illinois Harness Horsemen's Association (IHHA) and the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (ITHA).

Adapting to the New Normal: Harness Racing at the Fairgrounds

In the absence of a consistent racing schedule at Hawthorne, harness trainers and drivers have turned to the state fairgrounds at Springfield and DuQuoin, as well as the 27 county fairs, to earn purse money during the summer and early autumn months. Casey Leonard, a six-time driver champion at Hawthorne, has embraced this new reality, stating, "I went to the county fairs this summer for the first time in about 20 years; I raced at about a half-dozen of them."The IHHA has played a crucial role in securing an influx of money that has bolstered the fairs, providing an important lifeline for the harness racing community during the extended breaks in the Hawthorne schedule. These non-betting races, with money coming from the Hawthorne purse account, have been held at the fairgrounds throughout the summer and early autumn, offering a temporary respite from the uncertainty.

The Night of Champions: Showcasing Illinois' Finest

Despite the challenges, the Illinois harness racing community has remained resilient, with the upcoming Night of Champions at Hawthorne serving as a testament to their perseverance. This marquee event, which has evolved into the main event in Illinois racing, will feature a slate of elimination races on Saturday and Sunday, showcasing the best of the state's 2-year-olds and 3-year-olds.The Night of Champions will feature several standout performers, including Whiskey Lou, Lous Private Eye, and Gorgeous Big Guy, all of whom have been voted 2023 state champions. These horses, along with a host of other talented contenders, will compete for a total of $202,300 in purses on Saturday and $212,600 on Sunday, with eight races on the first night and nine on the second night offering $20,000 pots.

The Emergence of a New Generation of Drivers

The upheaval in the Illinois racing landscape has also given rise to a new generation of drivers, with Marcus Miller emerging as a rising star in the Chicagoland area. After honing his skills on the East Coast, Miller has returned to Illinois to fill the void left by the sidelining of Erv Miller's primary drivers, Cordarius Stewart and Atlee Bender, due to injuries sustained in the same race at Oak Grove.Marcus Miller's homecoming has coincided with the success of Gorgeous Big Guy, the only undefeated horse racing at Hawthorne this weekend. The son of Ashlee's Big Guy, trained by Erv Miller, has been entrusted to the capable hands of Marcus, who has embraced the opportunity to showcase his talents on the local stage.

The Future of Illinois Harness Racing: Navigating Uncertainty with Resilience

As the Illinois harness racing community navigates the uncertain landscape, they remain steadfast in their commitment to the sport. The absence of a new suburban Chicago track exclusively for harness racing, as allowed by the 2019 racing bill, has added to the challenges, but the IHHA and its members continue to explore creative solutions to ensure the long-term viability of the industry.Despite the setbacks, the harness racing community has demonstrated a remarkable resilience, adapting to the changing circumstances and finding ways to keep the sport alive. The upcoming Night of Champions at Hawthorne serves as a testament to their determination, showcasing the best of Illinois' harness racing talent and offering a glimmer of hope for the future.As the weather turns colder and the standardbreds return to Hawthorne, the Illinois harness racing community stands ready to face the new challenges head-on, driven by a deep-rooted passion for the sport and a unwavering commitment to preserving its proud tradition.