Horse racing is one of the oldest and most popular forms of sports entertainment in the world. From the ancient chariot races of Rome to the modern day Kentucky Derby, horse racing has been a fixture of the sporting world for centuries. But does Chicago, one of the great cities of North America, have a horse racing track?
The answer is yes, Chicago does have a horse racing track. In fact, it has two! While the city of Chicago itself does not have a track, the surrounding area is home to two horse racing venues, Hawthorne Race Course and Balmoral Park.
Hawthorne Race Course
Hawthorne Race Course is located in Stickney/Cicero, just outside the city of Chicago. It is the oldest continuously operating race track in the country, having first opened its doors in 1891. Hawthorne is the home of several major horse racing events, such as the Illinois Derby, the Hawthorne Gold Cup, and the Lucky Coin Stakes.
Hawthorne Race Course offers a variety of racing options, from thoroughbred and harness racing to quarterhorse racing. The track also hosts a variety of simulcast events from other race tracks around the country. Hawthorne is open year-round, with live racing taking place from April through October.
Balmoral Park
Balmoral Park is located in Crete, about an hour south of Chicago. It is the sister track of Hawthorne Race Course, and is owned by the same company. Balmoral Park hosts a variety of races year-round, with thoroughbred and harness racing taking place from April through December.
Similar to Hawthorne, Balmoral Park hosts several major horse racing events, such as the Balmoral Classic and the Illinois Derby. The track also offers simulcast events from other race tracks around the country. Balmoral Park is open seven days a week, and offers a variety of dining and entertainment options for visitors.
Other Horse Racing Venues in the Area
While Chicago itself does not have a track, there are other horse racing venues in the area.
- Arlington International Racecourse – Arlington Heights, IL
- Fairmount Park – Collinsville, IL
- Maywood Park – Melrose Park, IL
- Du Quoin State Fair – Du Quoin, IL
- Quad City Downs – East Moline, IL
- Hawthorne Race Course – Stickney/Cicero, IL
- Balmoral Park – Crete, IL
These tracks offer various types of horse racing, from thoroughbred and harness racing to quarterhorse racing. They also host a variety of major horse racing events throughout the year.
Off-Track Betting in the Chicago Area
For those who can’t make it to one of the horse racing venues in the area, off-track betting (OTB) is an option. OTB locations allow bettors to wager on horse races from around the world. In the Chicago area, there are several OTB locations, including:
- Arlington Park OTB – Arlington Heights, IL
- Budweiser Select OTB – Elmwood Park, IL
- Hollywood Casino Aurora – Aurora, IL
- Rivers Casino Des Plaines – Des Plaines, IL
- Sportsman’s Park OTB – Crestwood, IL
These OTB locations offer a variety of betting options, from win, place, and show bets to exotic bets such as exactas, trifectas, and superfectas.
Horse Racing Events in the Chicago Area
Throughout the year, the horse racing venues in the Chicago area host a variety of major horse racing events. These events draw large crowds and feature some of the best horses and jockeys in the world.
The most popular horse racing events in the Chicago area include:
- Illinois Derby – Hawthorne Race Course
- Hawthorne Gold Cup – Hawthorne Race Course
- Lucky Coin Stakes – Hawthorne Race Course
- Balmoral Classic – Balmoral Park
- Illinois Futurity – Balmoral Park
- Washington Park Handicap – Hawthorne Race Course
- Arlington Million – Arlington International Racecourse
- Fairmount Derby – Fairmount Park
- Maywood Pace – Maywood Park
- Du Quoin State Fair Stakes – Du Quoin State Fair
These events are a great way to experience the excitement and thrill of horse racing in the Chicago area.
Horse Racing in Chicago: Final Thoughts
Chicago is a great city for horse racing fans. While the city itself does not have a horse racing track, the surrounding area is home to two horse racing venues, Hawthorne Race Course and Balmoral Park. These tracks host a variety of major horse racing events throughout the year, and there are also several OTB locations for those who can’t make it to the track.
So if you’re looking for a great way to experience the thrill of horse racing in the Chicago area, you’re in luck! There are plenty of options to choose from.