Illinois boasts a horse racing history as rich and deep as its famous soil, a narrative filled with thundering hooves, legendary champions, and grandstands that have echoed with cheers for over a century. While the landscape of Horse Racing Illinois Tracks has seen significant changes in recent years, the heart of the sport continues to beat strongly. From the historic grounds of America’s oldest family-owned track to the revitalized energy of its downstate counterpart, the Prairie State remains a vital hub for both Thoroughbred and Harness racing enthusiasts. The story of Illinois racing is one of resilience, adaptation, and an unwavering passion for the equine athlete.
The closure of the world-renowned Arlington Park in 2021 marked the end of an era, but it also catalyzed a period of transformation. The state’s remaining tracks have stepped up, not just to fill the void but to redefine the future. With major investments and the integration of casino gaming on the horizon, Illinois is poised to enter a new golden age of horse racing. This guide explores the tracks that are carrying the torch forward, celebrating their unique histories while looking ahead to a promising future. For trainers and owners, understanding this evolving ecosystem is crucial, a principle that applies to all levels of horsemanship, including the foundational work of experts like merrill scherer horse trainer who build the base for future champions.
Hawthorne Race Course: Chicago’s Racing Hub
Nestled in the Chicago suburb of Cicero, Hawthorne Race Course stands as a pillar of American racing. Founded in 1891, it is the oldest continually family-owned and operated racetrack in North America, a testament to the Carey family’s enduring commitment to the sport. For decades, Hawthorne has been the gritty, blue-collar counterpart to Arlington’s glitz, known for its competitive fields and passionate fanbase. Today, it stands as the primary home for both Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing in the Chicagoland area.
The track itself is a classic one-mile dirt oval with a seven-furlong turf course, providing a fair and challenging surface for competitors. Hawthorne’s legacy is built on premier stakes races that have drawn top-tier talent for generations. The Grade 3 Hawthorne Gold Cup Handicap, a race inaugurated in 1925, has been won by legends like Kelso and Dr. Fager. The Illinois Derby, another signature event, has long been a key prep race for three-year-olds with Kentucky Derby aspirations. This historic venue is not just resting on its laurels; it is actively building the future. The facility is undergoing a massive transformation into a “racino,” a combined racetrack and casino. This development is projected to inject millions of dollars into the purse structure, promising larger paydays for horsemen and ensuring the long-term viability of racing in the region.
What to Expect at Hawthorne
A day at Hawthorne offers an authentic racing experience. The atmosphere is electric, filled with seasoned handicappers and casual fans alike. Because the track hosts both Thoroughbreds (who run on the flat) and Harness horses (who pull sulkies), the schedule is unique. The year is typically split, with Thoroughbreds running a spring/summer meet and the Standardbreds taking over for the fall and winter months. This dual-purpose role makes Hawthorne the indispensable heart of the horse racing Illinois tracks scene.
FanDuel Sportsbook & Horse Racing: Downstate’s Gem
Formerly known as Fairmount Park, the track in Collinsville, Illinois, has been a cornerstone of the St. Louis metro area’s sporting scene for a century. Rebranded as FanDuel Sportsbook & Horse Racing, this venue is embracing a modern identity while honoring its rich past. Opening its gates in 1925, it has long been the only horse racing track in Illinois outside of the Chicago area, offering thrilling live Thoroughbred action throughout the spring and summer.
The track is known for its friendly, welcoming atmosphere and its unique schedule, often running on Tuesdays and Saturdays, which fills a niche for horseplayers when other tracks are dark. It has carved out a vital role in the national racing circuit, providing a place for up-and-coming horses and seasoned veterans to compete. The rebranding to include the FanDuel name signals a deep integration with sports wagering, a move that is breathing new life and investment into the facility. Like Hawthorne, FanDuel Sportsbook & Horse Racing is also on the path to becoming a full-fledged racino. The addition of a casino floor and other gaming options is set to dramatically increase revenue and purses, securing its place as a premier entertainment destination in Southern Illinois for years to come.
The Fairmount Park Legacy
Even with its new name, many locals and long-time racing fans still affectionately call it Fairmount. This legacy is important; it speaks to the generations of families who have made a day at the races a cherished tradition. The track has always been a community hub, a place where you can enjoy the thunder of the hooves up close without the formality of some larger venues. It’s a place that fosters a genuine connection between the fans and the sport, making it an essential part of the fabric of horse racing Illinois tracks.
The Enduring Legacy of Arlington Park
No discussion of horse racing in Illinois is complete without honoring Arlington International Racecourse. For nearly a century, the Arlington Heights facility was more than just a racetrack; it was a world-class destination. Known for its stunningly beautiful “palace” grandstand and immaculate turf course, Arlington set a global standard. Its flagship race, the Arlington Million, was the first horse race to ever offer a purse of one million dollars and became a crucial international event, attracting top turf horses from Europe and beyond.
The closure of Arlington Park in 2021 sent shockwaves through the industry. It was a profound loss, representing the end of a golden era. However, its legacy lives on. The standards it set for guest experience, turf racing, and international competition continue to influence the sport. The memories created there—from John Henry’s famous victory in the inaugural Million to the 2002 Breeders’ Cup—are woven into the very DNA of American horse racing. While its gates are now closed, the spirit of Arlington continues to inspire the tracks that carry the state’s racing tradition forward.
Harness Racing in the Prairie State
While Thoroughbred racing often grabs the headlines, Illinois has a deep and passionate Harness racing community. Standardbreds, with their distinctive pacing and trotting gaits, provide a different but equally thrilling brand of equine competition. Hawthorne Race Course currently serves as the primary pari-mutuel venue for harness racing in the state, hosting meets during the colder months when the Thoroughbreds are on hiatus.
To ensure a robust year-round schedule for horsemen, the Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Association works with the Department of Agriculture to host non-betting races at the historic fairgrounds in Springfield. These events are crucial for developing young horses and providing earning opportunities for trainers, drivers, and owners. The legendary mile track at the Illinois State Fairgrounds is one of the fastest in the world, and its meets are a highlight of the summer for any harness racing fan. This statewide network ensures that Standardbred racing remains a vibrant and essential component of the horse racing Illinois tracks ecosystem. As esteemed equine behaviorist Dr. Alistair Finch notes:
“The dual-gait ecosystem in Illinois is fascinating. The ability of a single track like Hawthorne to successfully host both Thoroughbred and Standardbred meets, supplemented by the fair circuit, demonstrates a remarkable level of dedication to the entire equine industry. It’s a model of adaptability that other states could learn from.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What horse racing tracks are currently open in Illinois?
As of today, there are two primary horse racing tracks in Illinois offering live pari-mutuel wagering: Hawthorne Race Course in Cicero (near Chicago) and FanDuel Sportsbook & Horse Racing (formerly Fairmount Park) in Collinsville (near St. Louis).
Can I watch both Thoroughbred and Harness racing in Illinois?
Yes, you can. Hawthorne Race Course hosts meets for both Thoroughbreds (flat racing) and Standardbreds (harness racing) at different times of the year. Additionally, non-betting harness races are held at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.
What happened to Arlington Park?
Arlington International Racecourse, a world-renowned track in Arlington Heights, was sold by its corporate owner, Churchill Downs Inc., and held its final race in 2021. The property was sold to the Chicago Bears for potential development of a new football stadium.
Are casinos being added to Illinois racetracks?
Yes. Both Hawthorne Race Course and FanDuel Sportsbook & Horse Racing are in the process of developing “racinos,” which will add casino gaming, such as slot machines and table games, to the racetrack facilities. This is expected to significantly boost racing purses.
What are the biggest horse races in Illinois?
Historically, the Arlington Million was the state’s most famous race. Today, Hawthorne Race Course hosts several major stakes races, including the Grade 3 Hawthorne Gold Cup and the Illinois Derby, which are now the premier events on the Illinois Thoroughbred racing calendar.
Is off-track betting (OTB) available in Illinois?
Yes, Illinois has a network of off-track betting parlors located throughout the state, where you can wager on races from Illinois tracks and from tracks all around the world.
The Future is Bright for Illinois Racing
The landscape of horse racing Illinois tracks is defined by resilience and a forward-looking vision. While mourning the loss of a legend like Arlington, the industry is rallying around its historic survivors, Hawthorne and FanDuel (Fairmount Park). The impending arrival of racinos promises a financial renaissance that will elevate purses, attract top stables, and create a more sustainable model for the future. This is a pivotal moment for the sport in the Prairie State, a story of honoring a rich history while betting confidently on a vibrant and exciting new chapter. The thundering hooves will continue to echo across Illinois for generations to come.
