FRIDAY: WINTER THOROUGHBRED RACING RETURNS TO CHICAGO
FEBRUARY
11, 2013 (CHICAGO) Hawthorne Race Course will kick-off it's 122nd year of
live thoroughbred racing on Friday, February 15. Located just 10 minutes from downtown, Chicago's hometown
track will feature an opening weekend full of fan-based promotions that
showcase the up-close excitement and economical entertainment of the historic sport of kings.
A day at the races is always exciting, but there's a unique buzz
during spring racing, said Tim Carey, president and general manager of
Hawthorne Race Course. Cabin fever is
starting to set in and sports fans want to get out of their houses and get into
something with a lot of energy. We've
completely remodeled our grandstands and now have over 1,000 high-def TVs, and indoor
box seats right along the homestretch. So you're still right up close to the action, but can bet some races and
have a few beers in comfort while hanging out with your friends.
Hawthorne's opening
weekend is rife with events and promotions. Opening day will feature the fan favorite Pop
Up Bonuses, where thousands of dollars in instant prize vouchers randomly pop
out of betting machines when a wager is made. Fans have the option to enjoy a special Lenten buffet lunch ($19.95) in
the track's historic Gold Cup Dining Room on opening day, or $2 hot dog, nachos
and beer specials in the grandstands. Admission on Fridays during the spring meet is
also just $2.
Saturday will feature a buy one, get one brunch buffet ($21.95)
in the Gold Cup dining room from 12:30-3:30. And on Sunday, Hawthorne's
new on-track race analyst will host a Pool Party for new fans. For $20 players get a food and drink package,
plus a share of winnings from a minimum $500 pool bet by Angela Hermann as she
breaks down her wagering strategies.
The racing highlight of the meet will be the 56th
running of the Illinois Derby (GIII), to be held on April 20. The 1 1/8-mile race for 3-year-olds
received a 50% purse increase this year, with $750,000 up for grabs in the 2013
running of the race. "The Illinois Derby is the biggest dirt race in Illinois. It's a vibrant part of Chicago sports history and a great way to get
ready for the Kentucky Derby," said Carey. We have a huge BBQ fest, live music, gate give-aways and so much
more. If you can only make it to one live
race, this is the day you want to come to the track.
Hawthorne will host live racing on Friday, Saturday
and Sunday from February 15 thru April. Beginning in March the track will host live racing on Wednesdays. Daily first post is at 1:35PM.
ABOUT HAWTHORNE RACE COURSE
Hawthorne Race Course has been Chicago's hometown track¯ for 122 years and currently offers the only traditional dirt
racing for thoroughbreds in northern Illinois. Hawthorne's
spring meet opens February 15th and runs through April. Live racing is hosted Friday thru Sunday in
February and Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday in March and April. Daily post time is 1:35 PM, and admission
costs $4.The historic track is located
a half-mile north of I-55 on Cicero
Avenue, and 2 miles south of I-290 on Laramie Avenue at 35th Street. For more information visit www.HawthorneRaceCourse.com or
call Guest Services at 708-780-3733. Fans are welcome at Facebook.com/ClubHawthorne and
for up-to-the-minute racing tips become a follower at Twitter.com/ClubHawthorne.
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