Ever wonder where Chicago’s horse-racing legacy lives on? Right here at Hawthorne Race Course. It stands as one of the oldest continually run family-owned racetracks in North America.
Founded in 1891 by Edward Corrigan Hawthorne Race Course boasts a rich history. Only Saratoga Churchill Downs Fair Grounds and Pimlico predate its existence. Corrigan also owned the 1890 Kentucky Derby winner Riley. He initially bought 119 acres to construct this grand racecourse.
In 1905 horse racing was banned in Chicago and Hawthorne closed. But Thomas Carey purchased the property in 1909. His repeated attempts to revive racing faced resistance. Deputy sheriffs stopped a racing program after only two races that year.
The Illinois Jockey Club finally got permission for a 13-day experimental meet in 1916. Still thoroughbreds didn’t race again in Chicago for another six years. Hawthorne Race Course has been Carey-family owned ever since.
1928 marked the start of Hawthorne’s most prestigious race the Hawthorne Gold Cup. Great thoroughbreds have won the Gold Cup including Sun Beau Equipoise and Kelso. Others are Dr. Fager Black Tie Affair Buck’s Boy and Awesome Again. Sun Beau even captured two more Gold Cups after his first.
Robert F. Carey took over as managing director in 1947. He held the position until his death in 1980. His son Thomas F. Carey then became President and General Manager. Before 2005 his nephew Tim Carey was named President and General Manager. Thomas Carey still serves as Chairman Emeritus.
A multi-million dollar renovation in 1998 gave Hawthorne a new look. Four new party rooms and plush outdoor box seats were added. They also installed individual television monitors and a full-service food court. The renovation included a new tele-timer system new floors ceilings and lighting for evening harness racing.
Recent upgrades include a complete redesign of the grandstand. Over 300 hi-def televisions have been added. A new sports bar and video wall enhance the experience. Drainage systems on both turf and dirt courses were upgraded. There were more turf improvements in 2010.
In 2008 three horses from the Grade II Illinois Derby competed in the Kentucky Derby. Illinois Derby winner Recapturetheglory finished fifth. Illinois Derby competitor Denis of Cork finished third. Also female apprentice rider Inez Karlsson won the riding title for the fall meet.
Hawthorne Race Course again provided a stepping stone to the Derby in 2009. Stakes winner Musket Man won the Grade II Illinois Derby. He then finished third in the first two Triple Crown races.
The Grade II Hawthorne Gold Cup Handicap is the trademark race of the fall meet. The 2011 running was one of the deepest ever. Graded stakes winner Headache won the Gold Cup. He then started in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
A devastating fire hit Hawthorne in 1978. Investigators discovered that the fire had been deliberately set. In 2020 Hawthorne got approval to become a racino.
Hawthorne Race Course has a one-mile dirt oval. It also features a seven-furlong turf course. The main track’s home stretch is 1320 feet. It’s the third longest of any dirt track in the United States. But this leads to unusually tight turns.
So next time you’re looking for a day at the races remember Hawthorne Race Course. It is a place where history excitement and family tradition come together. It’s a Chicago institution that continues to thrive.