A Day at The Races (Hawthorne Edition)

[NiatrossJumps]

Well, went to Hawthorne today. 1st time I have been there in a Looooooong time (at least 4+ years, maybe more), it was an absolutely gorgeous day, AMAZING 3rd week of March (80's, SUNNY). I will preface this to say, I am a BIG harness guy, BUT I have played plenty of thoro's and been to 12 Derbies. So let's get started......

I arrived around 1:15, used the Cicero Ave. entrance, No warning on that entrance, you either turn right, or miss it (I missed it, turned around and went back to get in). Parked for free and walked the 1/3rd of a mile to the Entrance. Nice to see the bettors are relegated to the boondocks with parking, but hey management probably figures most need the excersize (Thanks guys!). $3.50 to get in. Probably about $2 too much to be honest, BUT you can go anywhere, and they give you a more detailed Hawthorne program. Simulcast (which I got) cost $5. On to the atmosphere....

Right away the track degenerates, characters, oddballs, lowlifes, senior citizens, SENIOR senior citizens, are EVERYWHERE. Well to be honest mostly everywhere, it was not really that crowded, BUT definitely not dead. Of course it was Sunny and in the 80's, hmmm. If you have ever wanted to feel younger, feel better about your general appearance and health, go to Hawthorne Wednesday afternoon, YOU WILL. Definitely skewed older and a little shabby, BUT I did expect this. Anyway too be honest did NOT bother me, but going to report it nonetheless. There was some kind of construction project of some sort going on in the middle front of the grandstand, Two guys sawing boards, who looked like they might or might not have their Green Cards. Kind of looked bad to have this going during the races, But maybe this is how Hawthorne does things. Saw Two very attractive ladies (I'm male, so I was looking) for the day, One was some blonde, excuse me kind of MILF looking , lady who I believe worked for Hawthorne (saw her in the winner's circle a couple of times), and the Outrider, Both were very attractive, BUT that was it. On to the food and drink....

A lot of people were eating the fried chicken from the snack bar, and I thought I remembered hearing that it was supposed to be pretty good, so........ I went and got some. The two snack bars (one first floor, one second) were the only places I could find to get food. I believe the Chicken was $6.25(maybe $6.50), that was about 3-4 pieces with TWO sides, and got a soda for $2.50 (water was $2.50 also, really $2.50 for water). Anyway, it was horrible, I mean REALLY BAD. Swansons makes better and that is 99 cents and has the same # of sides. The sides were terrible also, but could not fathom how people thought this fried chicken was any good. Anyway NEVER get the fried chicken at Hawthorne, it's bad. My Pepsi was fine (Thanks!). Rest of snack bar looked Drive In quailty, and not sure if it was that good. Hawthorne needs to do something about this, NO EXCUSE. On to betting.....

Gambling was fairly easy, little or no lines at the windows (though I was just using the voucher machines). the Voucher machines performed flawlessly, and the few times I did use the tellers, no complaints, no snarling or impatience. I had some luck (mostly because of a $55 horse at Dover), and I did catch a few horses at Hawthorne. Still I was SURPRISED when they took down Inez's horse because of a Lasala objection. I wathed the head on , because that is all the stewards were showing on house feed, and yeah it did look like Lasala pulled his horse up some, BUT on the side view, which appeared as if the Stewards NEVER watched (I'm serious) it looked like Lasala was OVERLY dramatic(pulling up) with it and a case could NOT be made. Typical mystery call by the stewards (I believe most of these characters make 6 figures for their 5 hours a  day 3-4 days a week). Aside from that (yes it cost me), I had a few winners, and a rather enjoyable day betting. Played every Hawthorne race except for the 6th or 7th (horrible field). Lot of scratches and short field though, I'm sure that is killing the handle. Inez K. in my opinion tries HARD on everything, and is the best riding there in it's present state. Jim Miller was in love with speed all day, and it was "Ok" in my opinion, but some horses did close from just off it, nothing from "out" of it. Now the end and analysis.....

So stayed till the end, enjoyed the day, not sure where Hawthorne is going. You can make a giant case based on what I saw that the base will be gone completely in 20-30 years, but who knows for sure. I think the track had a rather "dull" look, but in a weird gambling way prefer it to Arlington. Anyway thanks for reading.

[Chris Szulc]

Interesting and well thought out review. Also note that with your $3.50 admission you can get a DRF, which has a value of $7.00 I think now-a-days. THAT is a bargain if you normally go to say the OTB and pay for one of those.

I am a big fan of Hawthorne's kitchen. But I do agree there can be some quality control issues from time to time. Normally everything is great and relatively inexpensive. You might have just been eating at a wrong time. I go to Hawthorne at least 2x a week (missed ya there today...I'll be out Fri and Sat) and sit in the Platinum Club boxes along the finish line. I've had nearly everything on the menu and never had any complaints....aside from one time they gave me fish sticks instead of chicken tenders (and I HATE fish sticks...).

Next time you're out, say Hello! There's a sign on my table with my name on it so you'll know who I am.

[NiatrossJumps]

Chris the admissions lady did ask if I wanted the DRF, BUT I thought she wanted me to buy it, so I passed, my bad. Thanks for the Invite, I probably was a little harsh on the kitchen, But that chicken..... Hey Chris who is the Hot MILFy blonde lady who works(?) for hawthorne???

[Chris Szulc]

Chris the admissions lady did ask if I wanted the DRF, BUT I thought she wanted me to buy it, so I passed, my bad. Thanks for the Invite, I probably was a little harsh on the kitchen, But that chicken..... Hey Chris who is the Hot MILFy blonde lady who works(?) for hawthorne???

Yeah It's included with admission now. Which snack bar did you go to? First or second floor? I've only had stuff from the first and the Platinum dining menu, but I hear the quality upstairs is much worse...

I'm trying to think of who you're talking about. There's not many hot women at Hawthorne (LOL) so this shouldn't be too hard.  I don't think you're talking about the photographer but I can't think of anyone other than her.

[honest & balanced terry]

There's not many hot women at Hawthorne (LOL) so this shouldn't be too hard.

Not that many "hot" women at any track but Del Mar, in my experience. Just mostly regular ones.

And I'm thinking the ladies of the forum might be thinking there's there's not that many hot guys at any track.

[HorseVoice]

I arrived around 1:15, used the Cicero Ave. entrance, No warning on that entrance, you either turn right, or miss it (I missed it, turned around and went back to get in).

Hey Speed Racer, how fast were you coming up Cicero Avenue that you missed the entrance? How did you miss the Hawthorne marquee atop the 80-foot high column?

Parked for free and walked the 1/3rd of a mile to the Entrance. Nice to see the bettors are relegated to the boondocks with parking, but hey management probably figures most need the excersize (Thanks guys!).

The free parking at Hawthorne is no further away from the main entrance than it is at Arlington.

I suppose free parking is closer at Maywood and Balmoral, but come on, what do they get in addition to owners and horsemen -- 50 people live?

Can't continue, this is a joke. When a review starts out as unfairly as this one does, it's hard to take it seriously...and what is this guy's next complaint? "There are OLD people at the track". Yeah, no shit Sherlock. 

(Next, you'll tell us there are Mexicans on the backstretch.)

[mottoman]

LOL!!

[Bob B]

Not that many "hot" women at any track but Del Mar, in my experience. Just mostly regular ones.

And I'm thinking the ladies of the forum might be thinking there's there's not that many hot guys at any track.

You need to get back to Keeneland, Terry.  The UK gals dress to impress.  I'll be there on opening day in a couple weeks.

[Ed]

I'll be at KEE the second week. It is a special meet and anyone who can should attend.

[NiatrossJumps]

Hey Speed Racer, how fast were you coming up Cicero Avenue that you missed the entrance? How did you miss the Hawthorne marquee atop the 80-foot high column?

The free parking at Hawthorne is no further away from the main entrance than it is at Arlington.

I suppose free parking is closer at Maywood and Balmoral, but come on, what do they get in addition to owners and horsemen -- 50 people live?

Can't continue, this is a joke. When a review starts out as unfairly as this one does, it's hard to take it seriously...and what is this guy's next complaint? "There are OLD people at the track". Yeah, no shit Sherlock. 

(Next, you'll tell us there are Mexicans on the backstretch.)

Actually, yep there is a sign (not for the entrance of course), of course ZERO warning there is an entrance. Most cars are going at a pretty good clip on Cicero at that spot so it kind of jumps at you (the entance), so give me a break. As for the parking, just pointed it out, sorry you are unhappy with the truth, my apologies. Tried NOT to be too critical (I did not have some terrible experience, I rather enjoyed it for the most part), but sometimes with this type of review it is hard to get around that. Thanks for your "EXPERT" critique of my review, glad to see you can read.

[honest & balanced terry]

You need to get back to Keeneland, Terry.  The UK gals dress to impress.  I'll be there on opening day in a couple weeks.

I'm just not that keen on the combination of drunk and big hair. One or the other, please.

[brianwspencer]

Anyway, it was horrible

That surprises me. But in fairness, I haven't had the chicken there in about two years -- but it had always been incredible before that.

I'm one of those people who always say it's really good, so sorry it sucked for you!

[honest & balanced terry]

That surprises me. But in fairness, I haven't had the chicken there in about two years -- but it had always been incredible before that.

I'm one of those people who always say it's really good, so sorry it sucked for you!

One can always look on the bright side regarding complaints such as these ... no matter how "horrible" anyone finds any food offering at Hawthorne, there is just no way in which it could compete for bottom-of-the-barrel horribleness with Arlington's "char dog". That is the gold standard for horribleness in Chicago tbred racetrack fare, and holds its own in the national horrible racetrack food category, alongside such noted horrible classics as various hot dog/sausage renderings from Thistledown and Suffolk Downs.

And I mean really ... a Chicagoland food critique from someone who actually knows what Swanson's chicken tastes like? 

[APCD Dan]

Tross, I thought it was a good review.  HV and Terry are always sensitive on this issue.   How was the popcorn, can't be better then Arlington, oh wait, Arlington has no popcorn since it lost its popcorn contract.

[NiatrossJumps]

That surprises me. But in fairness, I haven't had the chicken there in about two years -- but it had always been incredible before that.

I'm one of those people who always say it's really good, so sorry it sucked for you!

Don't worry about it, I probably got the last few pieces. I apologize my review came across as harsh. I'm sure Hawthorne is trying to please it's customers. It's just that horse racing needs to bring in more people, I do think it is a decent entertainment option/value for the casual fan.

[g3tPWNed_24]

Don't worry about it, I probably got the last few pieces. I apologize my review came across as harsh. I'm sure Hawthorne is trying to please it's customers. It's just that horse racing needs to bring in more people, I do think it is a decent entertainment option/value for the casual fan.

dont apologize for thinking your review is "harsh" you shouldnt sugarcoat anything and racetracks locally and around the country probaly should take alot more feedback from their customers. its well known that people who work at the tracks here do read this forum, so it definately cant hurt to post whatya think.


i was out there yesterday as well. dont know whatya expect on a wednesday afternoon as far as a crowd and what type of crowd regardless how nice the weather is but thats what youre usually gonna get. i was surprised in the fall and even so far this meet at the amount of attractive girls that have actually been coming out to hawthorne on the weekends. im in my early 30's so maybe our views differ some in that department lol. as far as the food goes outside the goldcup room 1 thing i can suggest that has been good the few times ive ordered it on the first floor is the chicken wrap

[jgp]

All of us younger Hawthorne attendees were working....its Wednesday dude!

[pamwaggy]

I loved the review.  I could picture all of it.  I haven't been to too many tracks, only California so it was very interesting to me.

DRF with the entry fee!   Awesome.  I have NEVER gotten a free DRF at any track or OTB.

[pamwaggy]

Not that many "hot" women at any track but Del Mar, in my experience. Just mostly regular ones.

And I'm thinking the ladies of the forum might be thinking there's there's not that many hot guys at any track.

Funny one Terry.  I don't notice any "hot guys" since I married my husband.  I just don't pay any attention anymore.  In fact, I don't think I would know what a "hot guy" is supposed to look like.

[HorseVoice]

Tross, I thought it was a good review.  HV and Terry are always sensitive on this issue.

C'mon, Dan -- the guy drives so fast he can't find the entrance to the track, has to walk from FREE parking almost the exact same distance to the front gate as AP, then protests because he finds OLD PEOPLE inside? Horrors! I know when I walk in, it's nothing but hot chicks in bikinis.

Yes, I am sensitive to irresponsible, inaccurate or unwarranted criticism of Hawthorne -- but this review started out SO slanted against Haw that I heard even RLD said, "Ouch, that guy is *really* piling it on!"

[honest & balanced terry]

C'mon, Dan -- the guy drives so fast he can't find the entrance to the track, has to walk from FREE parking almost the exact same distance to the front gate as AP, then protests because he finds OLD PEOPLE inside? Horrors! I know when I walk in, it's nothing but hot chicks in bikinis.

Wait ... they got hot chicks in bikinis now, as opposed to all the ultra-dangerous homeless minority-type welfare case program resellers, beggars, and bet-splitters other posters have assured us lurk around every turn at Hawthorne?

Damn. Hot chicks in bikinis don't sound so dangerous. I need to start going down there more often.

[thoroughbred]

While you guys keep arguing about the state of affairs up there in Chicago land, us down staters will quietly continue to share our ears of corn with our toothless women so we can clean up the rows they miss when they are done with them!! 

[APCD Dan]

Wait ... they got hot chicks in bikinis now, as opposed to all the ultra-dangerous homeless minority-type welfare case program resellers, beggars, and bet-splitters other posters have assured us lurk around every turn at Hawthorne?

Damn. Hot chicks in bikinis don't sound so dangerous. I need to start going down there more often.

He was probably talking about Chicago Rosie.  Is she still with us?

[honest & balanced terry]

He was probably talking about Chicago Rosie.  Is she still with us?

Have not seen her in many, many years. I think her racing heart was broken when Arlington refused to let her participate in their foo-foo on-air ladies "fashion hat" competition.

[Chris Szulc]

Hey Chris who is the Hot MILFy blonde lady who works(?) for hawthorne???

I think I figured who you were talking about. She was in a few winners circle pictures Sunday. I'm thinking you're talking about Cisco's girlfriend. I found out as he waved to me as he was leaving HAW with that woman in his passenger's seat.