Dear Members,
The Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Association (IHHA) has been made aware that some horsemen’s payments issued by Hawthorne Race Course — including purse distributions and trainer and driver earnings — have been returned unpaid by banks.
Let me be clear: this is unacceptable. These payments are not discretionary. This is how horsemen get paid — it’s their paycheck — and any disruption creates real and immediate hardship for horsemen and their families.
The IHHA has contacted the Illinois Racing Board and formally requested their oversight and review.
The impact is even more concerning because this is occurring in the week before Christmas — a time when families are relying on these funds for basic household needs, bills, and holiday expenses.
Hawthorne has indicated to us that this issue is the result of a system or processing problem and that resubmitting checks will result in payment. However, we have also heard from some horsemen that their banks are requiring a new check rather than allowing a re-deposit, and Hawthorne has issued replacement checks to some individuals.
If you were affected, we need your information immediately
To document the scope of this issue and pursue reimbursement of costs, please email both:
Please include the following (as available):
· Your name, phone number, and role (trainer/driver/owner, etc.)
· Type of payment (purse distribution / trainer earnings / driver earnings)
· Check number, amount, and date issued (if known)
· A brief description of what happened (returned unpaid, bank required a new check, replacement check requested/received, etc.)
· Proof of any bank fees or penalties incurred (screenshot, receipt, bank notice/letter, or statement line item)
The IHHA will be requesting that Hawthorne reimburse any documented bank fees and penalties incurred as a result of returned payments.
We will continue working with the Illinois Racing Board and all appropriate parties until every horseman is made whole and safeguards are in place to prevent this from happening again. We will share updates as we receive verified information.
Sincerely,
Jeff Davis
President
Illinois Harness Horsemen's Association