The 2017 Illinois conceived and foaled stake schedule has been announced by Hawthorne Race Course and the Illinois Harness Racing Horseman’s Association.
A series of Late Closing events have also been scheduled for the “Summer Meet” which will begin on Thursday, May 11th and continue through Sunday, Sept. 24th.
Payments are due for the three-year-olds by Feb 15th while those looking to stake two-year-olds will have until April 15th to get their payments in. The nomination fee of $300 for each of the eight scheduled Late Closing events will be due on April 1st.
As was the case last season the ICF three-year-olds will have a single payment of $1,750 due while the state-bred two-year-olds will have a single payment of $1,250 due for these “added money” events.
The single staking payment will keep horses eligible to all four legs of the stakes series and the final or consolation. There is no nominating fee due for the aged stake events
The top 10 highest point earners in the four legs will make the finals which will be contested on Hawthorne’s Night of Champions, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 23rd. The consolations are scheduled for closing night Sunday, Sept. 24th.
Stall applications have been mailed to all horsemen who participated at Hawthorne in 2016 and can also be found on our website at www.hawthorneracecourse.com . Stall applications are due no later than April 1st and stalls will be assigned by April 15th.
A complete list of the 2017 ICF Stakes, the 2017 Late Closing events as well as the 2017 purse structure and conditions can also be found at the website. Purses are expected to increase by 30 to 40% across the board from 2016 levels.
Additionally Illinois conceived and foaled horses will also have the chance to race for added bonus money in 2017. For those conditions restricted to Illinois bred horses, the purse will be increased by 10% of the scheduled purse for an open condition. State-bred horses will also receive a 50% allowance when racing with open horses.
Click here for the 2017 stake schedule and Late Closing Series schedules.
Please make all nominating checks payable to:
Hawthorne Race Course
C/O Horseman’s Bookeeper
3501 S. Laramie Ave
Cicero, IL 60804
(708) 780-3700
ABOUT HAWTHORNE RACE COURSE
Founded in 1891, Hawthorne Race Course is the 4th oldest racetrack in the nation and the oldest sporting venue in Illinois. Located in Stickney, Illinois on the edge of Chicago’s city limits, the 126 year old facility hosts thoroughbred racing in March and April and again in October through Dec. Standardbred harness racing is conducted in May through September. The family-owned and operated business has been an innovator in horseracing for more than 100 years and features the nation’s most rewarding players program. For additional information: www.HawthorneRaceCourse.com | Facebook.com/ClubHawthorne | @ClubHawthorne.