Hawthorne Race Course Racing
Hawthorne Race Course is the oldest continually-run, family-owned, racetrack in North America and has celebrated live thoroughbred racing in Chicago for over 120 years.
In 1890, Edward Corrigan, a Chicago businessman who owned the 1890 Kentucky Derby winner, Riley, bought land in Cicero and started constructing a grandstand for a new racecourse. His track opened in 1891 with a five-race card including the Chicago Derby. In 1970, harness racing was held at Hawthorne in an effort to offer a product to lovers of standardbred racing.
As one of Illinois' most prominent horse racing tracks, Hawthorne hosts a big list of relevant racing events, including the annual Hawthorne Gold Cup Handicap and the Illinois Derby. Hawthorne is now second tier to Arlington Park.
Hawthorne Race Course Information:
Live Racing Calendar: Hawthorne race track hosts thoroughbred racing in the Spring and Fall and harness racing in the Summer.
Course type: Flat/Thoroughbred
Notable races: Hawthorne Gold Cup Handicap - Grade II, Illinois Derby - Grade II, Hawthorne Derby - Grade III, National Jockey Club Handicap - Grade III, Robert F. Carey, Memorial Handicap - Grade III, Sixty Sails Handicap - Grade III
Main track: 1 mile, oval
Distance from last turn to finish line: 1,320 feet
Turf course: 7 furlongs