Harness Racing's Uncertain Future in Illinois

Harness racing in Illinois has faced a steady decline over the past decade, with the number of race dates dwindling and the sport struggling to maintain its foothold in the state. As the Illinois Racing Board allocates dates for 2025, the divide between harness and thoroughbred racing has become increasingly apparent, with the latter receiving more than double the number of programs. This article delves into the challenges facing the harness racing industry in Illinois and the efforts to revive its fortunes.

Harness Racing's Diminishing Presence in the Land of Lincoln

The Decline of Iconic Harness Tracks

Once a thriving hub for harness racing, the Chicago metropolitan area has seen its iconic tracks, such as Sportsman's Park, Maywood Park, and Balmoral Park, disappear from the landscape. The sport's presence has dwindled, with Hawthorne Race Course now serving as the sole venue for harness racing in the region. The reduction in race dates and the lack of nationally significant events have left the Illinois harness horsemen struggling to maintain their livelihoods.

The Struggle for Parity with Thoroughbred Racing

The disparity between the number of race dates allocated to harness and thoroughbred racing in Illinois has become increasingly pronounced. In 2025, the thoroughbreds will have 80 programs, while the harness horses will be allotted a mere 40 programs, six fewer than the current year. This imbalance has left the Illinois Harness Horsemen's Association (IHHA) and its constituents feeling marginalized and seeking a more equitable distribution of race dates.

The Elusive Racino Dream

The promise of a $400 million racino at Hawthorne Race Course has been a source of hope for both the harness and thoroughbred racing industries in Illinois. However, the track's inability to deliver on this project has been a source of frustration for the horsemen's organizations. The delay in the racino's development has exacerbated the economic challenges facing the racing industry, as the additional revenue streams it would have provided have yet to materialize.

The Impact of Arlington International Racecourse's Closure

The decision by Churchill Downs, Inc. to discontinue racing at Arlington International Racecourse after the 2021 season has had a profound impact on the entire Illinois racing landscape. The loss of this iconic track has left a void that has yet to be filled, further compounding the challenges faced by both the harness and thoroughbred industries.

The Pursuit of Alternative Venues

In the face of the diminishing race dates at Hawthorne, the IHHA has explored alternative venues for harness racing, including the state fairgrounds in Springfield and DuQuoin. These non-betting programs have provided a temporary solution, but the horsemen are now considering the possibility of introducing pari-mutuel racing at these locations to ensure the long-term viability of the sport.

The Uncertain Future

As the Illinois Racing Board allocates dates for 2025, the future of harness racing in the state remains uncertain. The IHHA and its counterparts, the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (ITHA) and Hawthorne Race Course, have been unable to reach a consensus on the schedule, further exacerbating the divide between the two breeds. With the promise of a racino still unfulfilled and the impact of Arlington's closure still being felt, the harness racing industry in Illinois finds itself at a crossroads, fighting to maintain its relevance and secure a more equitable footing in the state's racing landscape.