Hawthorne Track to Close for Training, January 1-14
Upon
recommendation from the ITHA Track Committee, Hawthorne and the ITHA have
agreed to close the Hawthorne racing surface for training from January 1
-14. During this time period, track
maintenance crews will be able to inspect the surface base to ensure its
consistency while refreshing the top portion of the racing surface.
For
these two weeks, horsemen are asked to walk their horses only, no shedrowing in the barns while keeping barn doors open to
eliminate any possible spread of virus.
When
the track reopens for training on January 15, training hours will be 7:00-11:00
AM, Monday- Saturday, while remaining closed on Sundays in January. Beginning February 1, the track will open 7
days a week with the above training hours remaining in place through the spring
meet.
“The
horsemen approached us asking for considering in closing the track for a couple
weeks to get a good, in depth look at the surface,” stated Hawthorne President
Tim Carey. “While both the horsemen, and
ourselves believe there is nothing wrong with the track, we haven’t had that
extended period to be able to get a full inspection of the surface. We agree that now is a good opportunity as
horses have been racing for the past ten and a half months in Illinois and a
two week break may suit them well.”
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