Hawthorne Race Course brighter with heavier purses
Government official Pat Quinn has not responded positively to the request put forward by Springfield lobbyists who are trying to reach a negotiation on the legislation that would allow a more reliable and regular flow of income for the Illinois racing industry.
Owing to the crucial economic situation at hand, Pat Quinn’s proposition of subsidising the race tracks through the casino levy already present is not viable due to the yearly appropriation that will have to follow. He is not in the favour of slots on the
tracks.
The Hawthorne Race Course is expecting a surge in the participation this season due to the purses that have been made more worthwhile. The meet will begin on 17th February and continue till 29th April.
The opening day card includes nine races and features a $35,000 optional claimer for which ninety-five horses have been entered already. The number of horses that competed last year has gone up by 350, making the actual amount go to 1,300.
The race course is able to offer higher purses this season due to the ‘impact’ money that it was compensated against in lieu of the settlement of a law suit. The reason that Hawthorne needs the government officials to cooperate is because the ‘impact’ money
cannot stretch after 2013.
"Much of our success lies in the hands of Mother Nature now," said Jim Miller Hawthorne assistant general manager. Last year everything worked against us weather-wise as we had a very rough winter full of cold temps and large amounts of snowfall. Then we
had the wettest April in 50 years, which meant we could not run a single race on the turf during the entire spring meet."
"Our horsemen have responded with more horses in training and many more horses ready for the start of the meet."
The Grade 3 Illinois Derby, which is the hallmark spring race of the Hawthorne’s meet has gone up from the $300,000 prize money last year to $500,000, that is being offered this year.
The not so severe winter this season has also allowed regular training sessions for the horses that will now be able to participate earlier in the season.
Tags: