The IHHA learned on Tuesday evening that Hawthorne would not be presenting at the April 28 Gaming Board Meeting. After numerous communications with Hawthorne management during the past 3-6 months, we, along with the thoroughbred horsemen and a few legislators, were led to believe that the final piece for them to resume construction on their “racino” would be finalized at this Gaming Board meeting. We were told that the construction would start up again shortly thereafter, most likely in May. Hawthorne leadership was confident that the project would be completed and open in the Fall of 2023. As of now, we do not know the new timeline. We are all immensely disappointed in this latest development. Words cannot express the frustration we are all experiencing. However, we wanted to keep everyone abreast of this change. We will do everything possible to get this situation back on course. We will be meeting with Hawthorne leaders next week for an explanation on the delay.

Every horse that was in to go on Friday night, March 18 has been given a $250 stipend. The money is in your account at Hawthorne.

Kyle Wilfong dethroned perennial winner Casey Leonard as leading driver for this year’s Hawthorne winter meet. Read more at Harness Racing Update. https://harnessracingupdate.com/2022/03/25/kyle-wilfong-dethrones-casey-leonard-as-hawthorne-winter-meet-ends/