Major Horse Races in Illinois

Illinois has become an important state for the thoroughbred industry. Two race tracks, Arlington Park and Hawthorne Race Course, make up the bulk of Illinois’ yearly horse racing. Arlington Park, in particular, has become one of the most popular racing venues in the United States. On Arlington Million Day, the race track becomes one of the most highly bet in the world. For online race book players, Arlington Million Day has become one of the more likely lucrative days of the year. Arlington Park’s popularity has spread to Hawthorne Race Course where the Hawthorne Gold Cup is run annually.

Illinois' Major Thoroughbred Races

Three popular races dot Illinois’ thoroughbred racing calendar on a yearly basis. See below for information on the Arlington Million, the Illinois Derby, and the Hawthorne Gold Cup.

Arlington Million

The Arlington Million has become the signature prep for the Breeders’ Cup Turf. Its significance and huge $1 million purse often attracts international horses as well as the best from the States.

Illinois Derby

The $750,000 Illinois Derby, although no longer a prep race for the Kentucky Derby due to the fact its run just two weeks earlier, is still a great event for a talented three-year-olds. Favorites rarely win making the race a must for online racebook players looking for a live long shot.

Hawthorne Gold Cup

The Grade II $350,000 Hawthorne Gold Cup usually attracts top notch talent since it’s run three weeks after the Breeders’ Cup, giving some of the best BC runners a chance to recover before taking to the track again. The Gold Cup highlights what’s always a big day of racing at Hawthorne.