STICKNEY, Ill. (WLS) — Although the racing season at Hawthorne Race Course in Stickney traditionally kicks off at the end of March, this year’s start was delayed due to the track entering bankruptcy. However, a judge has approved the commencement of the season starting this Sunday.

Earlier in the year, the track faced a suspension of its racing license.

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Preparations are in full swing as tractors smooth the track surface in anticipation of the races resuming on Sunday. Meanwhile, the stables are bustling with horses eagerly awaiting their chance to compete.

“Once we get things underway,” remarked Chris Block from the Illinois Thoroughbred Horse Association, “we hope that horsemen will gain confidence and choose to participate throughout the rest of the season.”

In the not-too-distant past, Northern Illinois boasted a vibrant horse racing industry with multiple tracks, employing an array of trainers, track workers, breeders, and agricultural professionals. Now, Hawthorne stands as the last remaining venue, struggling to stay afloat.

“This is our last stand,” Block emphasized. “If Hawthorne doesn’t make it, horse racing in Northern Illinois will vanish. It would be a devastating loss.”

A Hawthorne spokesperson released a statement, saying in part, “This year in particular, we’re so thankful for the horsemen, our staff and everyone who is working together to sustain Chicagoland racing during this critical time.”

A bankruptcy judge is allowing Hawthorne to operate the thoroughbred season while they continue to look for a buyer. Money for purses has been guaranteed even though the track filed for bankruptcy without paying purses and expenses from the Harness racing which ended in February.

In response to the start of the thoroughbred season, the Harness Horsemen issued a statement, saying “We look forward to our next bankruptcy hearing on Monday and we are hopeful that Illinois Harness Horsemen will soon be paid the $2.5 million that is owed to them.”

Hawthorne’s owners originally planned to build a casino on the property several years ago. But they said in court funding fell through and they are now looking for a buyer.

‘We need a buyer desperately,” Block said.

The racing season is scheduled to go through November, but the bankruptcy judge has said if there’s no progress on finding a buyer and a new source of funding, it may not go all season.