Hawthorne Race Course's $90M Sale Seals the Fate of Chicago Horse Racing

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-07-30

It's the end of an era for Chicago-area horse racing. A federal bankruptcy court has officially approved the $90 million sale of Hawthorne Race Course, a decision that brings live racing at the historic venue to a permanent close. The move also means that residents and horses still living on the backstretch must pack up and leave by August 31. For those unfamiliar with the scene, Hawthorne isn't just any racetrack. It's been a staple of the Stickney community for over a century, hosting some of the most storied races in Illinois history. But now, the 107-acre property is heading into new hands, and the future looks very different. ### Who's Buying and What Happens Next Allimac 2023 LLC, a real estate company based in Delaware, is the buyer. They're planning to redevelop the site, though specific details about what will replace the track haven't been fully revealed yet. The transaction is expected to close on September 1 or September 2, which means the clock is ticking for everyone still on the grounds. The sale comes after Hawthorne filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, a move that set the stage for this court-approved auction. It's a sobering reminder of how challenging the horse racing industry has become, especially in markets where competition from other forms of entertainment and gambling has intensified. ### What This Means for the Community For the people who work at Hawthorne, this isn't just a business transaction. It's a loss of livelihood and a way of life. Trainers, grooms, jockeys, and countless others who depend on the track for their income are now facing an uncertain future. The backstretch community, in particular, is feeling the pressure, as they have just weeks to find new homes for themselves and the horses in their care. - Residents must vacate the property by August 31 - Horses on the backstretch need to be relocated to other facilities - Workers are scrambling to find new opportunities in a shrinking industry It's a tough situation, and there's no sugarcoating that. The horse racing world has seen its fair share of closures over the years, but losing a venue with Hawthorne's history still stings. ### The Bigger Picture for Horse Racing This sale is part of a larger trend. Across the country, racetracks are struggling to stay afloat. Attendance numbers are down, operating costs are up, and the competition from online betting and casino gaming is fierce. Illinois, in particular, has seen a shift in how people engage with gambling, and traditional horse racing has been left playing catch-up. That said, it's not all doom and gloom. Some tracks have found ways to adapt, adding casino floors or entertainment venues to diversify their revenue streams. But for Hawthorne, that ship has sailed. The redevelopment plans from Allimac 2023 LLC will likely bring new life to the property, but it just won't be in the form of horse racing. ### A Bittersweet Goodbye As the September 1 closing date approaches, there's a palpable sense of nostalgia among longtime fans. Hawthorne has been more than just a racetrack; it's been a gathering place, a source of community pride, and a piece of Chicago's sporting heritage. Watching it fade into history is hard for many. But change is inevitable. The property will be repurposed, new memories will be made, and the land will continue to serve a purpose. It just won't be the same purpose it's served for generations. For now, the focus is on the people and animals who call Hawthorne home. Getting them safely relocated is the immediate priority, and hopefully, they'll find new places to thrive. It's a sad chapter in the story of American horse racing, but it's one that had to be written. If you're a racing fan, take a moment to appreciate the tracks that are still around. They're becoming rarer by the year, and every closure reminds us just how precious they are.