Hawthorne Racecourse (3/9/10)
Contact: Ron Uchman
(708) 780-3700
Illinois Derby Day coming quickly
$50,000 Cryptoclearance Stakes added to Derby Day Card
We are only three weeks away from the running of the Grade III $500,000 Illinois Derby, as one of the top Kentucky Derby prep races will take place right here at Hawthorne. The last eight Illinois Derby champs have gone on to run at Churchill on the first Saturday in May. Last year, Musket Man was impressive in victory here and followed his Hawthorne win with a third in both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. This year, we have had over 70 early nominees for the race with another 20-25 expected to nominate late, supplying us with another large field for the Illinois Derby.
A Champ Honored with Cryptoclearance Stakes
In addition to the Illinois Derby, the $50,000 guaranteed Cryptoclearance Stakes will be run on Illinois Derby day to give a great spot for older horses to compete for black type. Cryptoclearance was a two-time Hawthorne Gold Cup winner for top owner Phil Teinowitz in 1988 and 1989. His closing style was one of the strongest moves by any runner in racing and Jose Santos gave him masterful rides in each win.
With the three-year-olds the focus on this day, we expect the Cryptoclearance to provide a strong field of older runners and become a mainstay on Illinois Derby Day with hopes of building the purse and stature of the race as we honor a top Hawthorne champ.
The Cryptoclearance will be contested at 1 1/16 miles on the main track with nominations for the race closing on Saturday, March 27.
Time Running out to book your Illinois Derby Party
Illinois Derby Day always provides a great racing card and a great opportunity to bring a group to Hawthorne. We have a pair of suites remaining for the day but they will fill up quickly. Reservations are also being taken for our Gold Cup Dining Room. For info on group packages or to make reservations, please contact our Group Sales office at 708-780-7050. For details on any happenings at Hawthorne, visit our website at www.Hawthorneracecourse.com.
Hawthorne Race Course begins racing on Friday, February 12 and runs through Sunday, April 25. First post time daily is 1:35 pm. For racing schedule and details on promotions and parties at Hawthorne, visit www.Hawthorneracecourse.com.
