Racing at Hawthorne Dec. 28 was canceled following the fourth race when unseasonably warm conditions caused a thaw of the racing surface, making for unsafe conditions, the Illinois track reported.
There was a spill in the fourth race, an $8,000 maiden claimer, when Hitthelights appeared to take an awkward step in the turn, falling and unseating jockey Heidi Rose. Racing immediately behind Hitthelights was Miraculous Mike, who fell over the fallen horse, unseating jockey Inosencio Diego.
Both Hitthelights and Miraculous Mike got up and walked off the track. Rose and Diego were transported to Loyola Medical Center. Rose was being treated for soreness in her collarbone along with being testing for a possible concussion. Diego was being treated for soreness in a knee.
In recent weeks, rain, snow, and temperatures well below normal had led to a racing surface that had held quite a bit of moisture, the track reported. Saturday was the first day in weeks that temperatures had risen well above freezing, causing the thaw.
The track crew will be working the surface through the night to float out the remaining water and racing is expected to go on for the closing day card Sunday, Dec. 29. A 10-race program is scheduled with first post at 1:20 p.m.
