The Chicago skyline

Hawthorne Race Course

ThoroughbredHarnessDirtTurf
Official site ↗Directions ↗Hotels nearby ↗

Hawthorne Race Course is a thoroughbred and harness racetrack in Stickney, Illinois. It opened in 1891, making it 135 years old in 2026. It races on a 1-mile dirt oval, 7-furlong turf course.

Its signature races are the Illinois Derby (G3), Hawthorne Gold Cup and Sixty Sails Handicap.

Hawthorne is the oldest continually run family-owned racetrack in North America, owned by the Carey family since 1909.

Track facts

Location
Stickney, Illinois
Racing
Thoroughbred, Harness
Surfaces
Dirt, Turf
Track
1-mile dirt oval, 7-furlong turf course
Opened
1891
Racing season
Spring–summer (2026 meet ended July 19)
Operator
Carey family (Hawthorne National LLC)

Signature races at Hawthorne Race Course

Race day

When to go. Live racing runs spring–summer (2026 meet ended July 19). Check the official site for post times and the current stakes schedule.

The view. Our illustration shows the Chicago skyline in the background.

Getting there. Directions to Hawthorne Race Course and parking nearby.

Plan your trip to Hawthorne Race Course

Hotels near Hawthorne Race CourseBook a stay for race day on ExpediaRace schedule & post timesLive racing dates and stakesParkingLots near the trackDirectionsMap to Hawthorne Race CourseTours & things to do in StickneySightseeing, tours and more on ExpediaFood & drinks nearbySpots to eat before or after the races

Tracks near Hawthorne Race Course10

  1. 1HarnessNorthville Downs at Barry Expo Center — Michigan Sire Stakes (Hastings, Michigan)138 mi
  2. 2HarnessHarrah's Hoosier Park — Dan Patch Stakes (Anderson, Indiana)164 mi
  3. 3HarnessIllinois State Fairgrounds Racetrack — Illinois Colt Stakes (Springfield, Illinois)169 mi
  4. 4ThoroughbredHorseshoe Indianapolis — Indiana Derby (Shelbyville, Indiana)185 mi
  5. 5HarnessHollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway — Dayton Pacing Derby (Dayton, Ohio)238 mi
  6. 6HarnessMiami Valley Raceway — Harness racing (Lebanon, Ohio)244 mi
  7. 7ThoroughbredFairmount Park Casino & Racing — St. Louis Derby (Collinsville, Illinois)250 mi
  8. 8ThoroughbredTurfway Park — Jeff Ruby Steaks (Florence, Kentucky)254 mi
  9. 9ThoroughbredBelterra Park — Cradle Stakes (Cincinnati, Ohio)258 mi
  10. 10HarnessDelaware County Fairgrounds (Little Brown Jug) — Little Brown Jug (Delaware, Ohio)265 mi

Questions about Hawthorne Race Course

Where is Hawthorne Race Course?

Hawthorne Race Course is in Stickney, Illinois.

What kind of racing is at Hawthorne Race Course?

Hawthorne Race Course hosts thoroughbred and harness racing. Live racing runs spring–summer (2026 meet ended July 19).

When did Hawthorne Race Course open?

Hawthorne Race Course opened in 1891.

What is the biggest race at Hawthorne Race Course?

The signature race at Hawthorne Race Course is the Illinois Derby (G3).

What other racetracks are near Hawthorne Race Course?

The closest is Northville Downs at Barry Expo Center in Hastings, Michigan, about 138 miles away. See the full list of nearby tracks on this page.

Facts are for the 2026 racing season. Distances are straight-line miles. The illustration is original artwork, not a photo. See something wrong? Let us know. Is this your track? Get the “Listed on HorsetrackAtlas.com” badge for your website.