STICKNEY, Ill. (WLS) — The historic era of horse racing in northern Illinois is drawing to a close as a bankruptcy judge gives the green light for the sale of Hawthorne Race Course to a Delaware-based company for a substantial $90 million. This decision brings extensive implications, particularly for the community that has depended on this industry for livelihoods and accommodation.
Approximately 300 individuals, encompassing entire families with children who reside above the track’s stables, are now confronted with the daunting task of seeking alternative housing solutions.
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Eighteen-year-old Arleth Roman knows no other home than Hawthorne, having lived here and previously at Arlington Park since she was just five. With her parents employed at the facility, Roman is not only facing the transition into college life post-high school graduation but also the urgent quest for a new place to call home.
“It’s pretty sad over here. We have friends, family close to each other. Now everyone has to go,” she lamented, capturing the collective sentiment of displacement among the affected families.
Meanwhile, 14-year-old Maya Heins and her family are planning a move to Kentucky, where fresh opportunities at another racetrack promise a new beginning.
“I’ve been here since I was four. It’s a really hard change. I made a lot of friends. Gonna be hard to go, but can’t do anything about it,” Heins said.
According to the report, Hawthorne’s owners attempted to find a buyer who would keep the property operating as a racetrack. Those efforts were unsuccessful, and last month a judge allowed a Delaware company with other plans for the property to purchase it.
“You’re uploading a whole community. There’s a sense of closeness here. Everybody knows each other,” said George Moreno of the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association.
The closure also affects horse owners and others whose livelihoods have been tied to racing.
“I’m not the only one whose life revolves around horses. And we’ve been trying to save this place. But there’s nothing more we can do,” said horse owner Mena Perez.
The situation is particularly difficult for residents of the backstretch, who are losing both their jobs and their homes. Among them is Sylvester Espinosa, who said he has been unable to find housing because prospective landlords are asking for proof of income and a rental history, neither of which he has.
Roman said many residents are seeking help as time runs short.
“It’s over now. It is what it is. I’m very sad,” she said.
Despite the planned closure of the track, Hawthorne’s owners have applied for racing dates for next season. According to information provided in the report, the owners still hold the racing license and are hoping to find a partner to continue racing at another location.
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