The 60th running of the Illinois Derby certainly doesn’t resemble the race during its glory years, but it is Hawthorne Race Course held a $200,000 contest on April 21 that represented a glimmer of hope for the long-suffering state racing establishment.
The race could easily have passed without notice except for the name and symbolism of returning to the schedule. Patriotism was last seen in third place in the Hutcheson Stakes at Gulfstream Parkwin, defeating four opponents.
While the quality of the field was not up to historic standards, several opponents were bet and two, authentic violin And Les Grisare early Triple Crown nominees.
For reference, the last time the race was held was in 2017, the winner was Multiplier , coached by Brendan Walsh. In 2015, that is Whiskey tickets with Martin Pedroza replacing coach Bob Baffert and his Watson-Pegram-Wellman ownership trio.
In 2002, War symbol won the Illinois Derby and went on to win the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness Stakes (G1).
The race has taken place over various distances, around three tracks in the Chicago area, and through many interruptions over the years. However, it has outlived two of its host sites, Aurora Downs and Sportsman’s Park, and the 2024 renewal keeps the candle of hope flickering for the industry.
Since Churchill Downs Inc. closing Arlington International Racecourse after the 2021 season, Hawthorne, the only remaining track in the Chicago area, has divided its season into thoroughbred and harness meetings. The multi-generational owners, the Carey family, have struggled to keep the track open while incurring six-figure costs to rebuild the track with each conversion. Maintain comfortable year-round accommodation for horses and personnel.
The return of the Illinois Derby will not reverse the fortunes of Illinois racing. A real turning point will require Hawthorne chairman Tim Carey to finally, after four years, find financing for a long-promised casino that gets it back on track. A new mining racino in Chicago’s south suburbs, allowed by the 2019 gaming expansion law, is also key to survival.
But any sign of life is welcome news in the Illinois race.
“It’s a good thing for racing in Illinois that have the Illinois Derby return in 2024.”
“Hopefully it will once again become a permanent fixture in the spring stakes show at Hawthorne in the future. And hopefully, higher prize money will soon come from additional money coming from the racino of the It.”
Videotapes: Illinois Derby presented by 1/ST BET (BT)
