Contact: Jim Miller
(708) 780-3700

Hawthorne Race Course Presents the Fall Harvest Festival of Racing

STICKNEY, IL -- September 23rd ushers in both the first day of fall and opening day at Hawthorne Race Course for the 2005 Fall Thoroughbred Season. The fall season is expected to be one of the best in years due to an increased number of horses stabled at Hawthorne and the recent up trend in Thoroughbred racing. Hawthorne’s fall meet is highlighted by the inaugural running of the Fall Harvest Festival of Racing.

The Fall Harvest Festival of Racing will be held on September 24, 2005 with racing on the Stickney oval beginning at 1:10pm. The day includes three major stake races totaling more than a million dollars in purse money. The sport’s top jockeys, trainers, and horses will descend on Hawthorne seeking an entry path into next month’s Breeders’ Cup.

The day’s racing card includes the 69th running of the Hawthorne Gold Cup, a grade II stakes race, carrying a purse of $750,000. The Gold Cup is the longest running stakes race in Illinois still held at the same track and in the past has produced Breeders’ Cup winners such as Awesome Again and Bucks Boy. This year’s race is highlighted by the return of Perfect Drift who will likely be the post time favorite.

In addition to the Gold Cup, the Robert F. Carey Memorial and the Indian Maid Breeders’ Cup Handicap will be run, both carrying $150,000 purses. Carmen and Silvy from ESPN Radio 1000 will also be joining the fans out on the apron to host their First Fall Frenzy party and help celebrate the day. For one more bit of excitement at the Fall Harvest, Hawthorne will offer a free Pick 5 contest with a $5,000 top prize, giving all visitors another chance to win.

There will be something for everyone to enjoy at the Fall Harvest Festival of Racing, from ice-cold beer to funnel cakes on the apron and sleek Thoroughbreds gracing the track. Hawthorne Race Course welcomes all to join us in celebrating the 2005 Fall Thoroughbred Season opening and to usher in the fall at our Fall Harvest Festival of Racing!

For any questions, our Group Sales office can be contacted at 708-780-7050 and general questions can be directed to 708-780-3700. Visit Hawthorne on the web at www.hawthorneracecourse.com.