Illinois Racing Board Awards 2021 Race Dates; Arlington To Host Million Festival Races Next Year

The Illinois Racing Board on Wednesday awarded 2021 race dates to Arlington Park and Hawthorne Race Course.

Arlington will host 68 live race days, with opening weekend featuring the Kentucky Oaks (April 30, 2021) and the Kentucky Derby (May 1, 2021), and will conclude on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.

Hawthorne will host 50 live race dates, from March 6 through April 25 and from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31.

Arlington International Racecourse President, Tony Petrillo, is enthusiastic about continuing Arlington's traditions in 2021.

“This will be our 94th year of operation and Arlington remains committed to fans, guests, bettors, horsemen/horsewomen, and the community,” Petrillo said. “We look forward to showcasing the renowned Arlington Experience in 2021, featuring our beautiful facility and providing race fans with the opportunity to wager on quality races along with a slate of graded stakes races.”

The Arlington meet will host many of the graded stakes races that were placed on hiatus in 2020 and will feature a festival of stakes races for Illinois horses, featuring the Bruce D. Stakes, Beverly D. Stakes, and the newly renamed Arlington Million: “Mister D. Stakes,” in honor of Richard Duchossois, who will be 100 years old next year.

Racing for the 2020 season continues Thursday through Saturday now until Sept. 26.

More specific race date information is available below:

ARLINGTON PARK – 68 Thoroughbred race programs and 220 total host programs.

  • January 3 through March 5 – dark host time. No live racing.
  • April 26 through May 31, racing 2 days per week on Fridays and Saturdays. Live racing begins on April 30. Dark April 26 through April 29 and May 7, racing on May 9.
  • June 1 through June 30, racing 3 days per week on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Racing on June 20.
  • July 1 through August 14, racing 4 days per week on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Dark July 1.
  • August 15 through August 31, racing 4 days per week on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Dark August 4 and 11, racing on August 1 and 8.
  • September 1 through September 30, racing 3 days per week on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Dark September 2, 3 and 26 through 30, racing on September 5.

HAWTHORNE RACE COURSE – 50 Thoroughbred race programs and 145 total host programs.

  • January 1 and 2 – dark host time. No live racing.
  • March 6 through April 25, racing 2 days per week on Saturdays and Sundays.
  • October 1 through November 30, racing 3 days per week on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
  • December 1 through December 31, racing 2 days per week on Saturdays and Sundays. Dark December 25

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Illinois Gaming Board Approves Hawthorne To Move Forward With Casino Development

Thirty years after Illinois passed legislation legalizing ten casinos to operate throughout the State, Hawthorne Race Course has been preliminarily approved to become its next casino. Today, the Illinois Gaming Board voted unanimously that Hawthorne's ownership and key personnel are “suitable” for eventual casino licensure.

Founded in 1891, Hawthorne is the longest running legal gambling business in the State and is Illinois' oldest sporting venue. In becoming a fully operational casino featuring slot machines, table games and sports betting, Hawthorne will transform Illinois horseracing and create the most dynamic entertainment experience for casino customers in the Chicagoland area.

“It's really hard to put into context what this means for the very hardworking people of the Illinois racing industry,” said Tim Carey, president and CEO of the 4th generation family-owned business. “It means horsemen will be able to keep their businesses and families in Illinois. It means showcasing this historic sport to a new generation of fans. It means creating a truly unique, first-of-its-kind entertainment experience that won't exist anywhere else in Illinois.”

In addition to slot machines and table games, Hawthorne's casino plans include a state-of-the-art sportsbook to be developed in partnership with PointsBet; dining amenities showcasing well-known Chicago culinary experiences; a multi-level parking garage; and a new racing operation with upgraded wagering facilities. Major construction and renovation is expected to begin in September with plans for the casino to open in late 2021.

“I think a lot of people may have expected us to simply put some slot machines and tables into our existing facility, but we're going to substantially raise the bar on the Chicagoland casino experience,” said Kevin Kline, Hawthorne's CEO of Gaming. “As an independent operator, Hawthorne is like a 130 year old start-up business, and we are going to lead with innovation, excitement and a culture that celebrates our customers and empowers our team members every day. We're going to break the mold on what a regional integrated casino, racing, and entertainment destination can be.”

Kline, a 25-year veteran of the gaming industry has significant experience in the development and management of ground-up, multi-faceted casino projects and operations across several markets including Chicagoland. He has been leading Hawthorne's development since September 2019.

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