The Illinois Festival of Racing on Nov. 1 marks the time on the calendar to celebrate the local state-bred equines that populate the majority of Hawthorne's backstretch. And while the progeny of the state's Thoroughbreds won't be confused with those from Kentucky, many have proven successful when raced on the national stage.
Thursday, October 30, 2008Jockey Larry Sterling Jr. won three of the six six stakes races for Illinois runners contested at Hawthorne on Saturday during the Illinois Festival.
Saturday, November 13, 2004The Phil Georgeff Illinois Festival of Racing returns to Hawthorne Saturday with six $100,000 stakes events scheduled to help determine the Illinois champions for 2003. Julie's Prize, Wiggins, Summer Mis and Out of My Way are among the leading runners competing.
Thursday, November 06, 2003Two Item Limit was upset in Saturday's Illini Princess Stakes at Hawthorne, one of six stakes for Illinois breds, each worth about $100,000, on the day's card.
Saturday, November 09, 2002