The Illinois Horse Racing Commission announced on Monday, January 26, that it has suspended the organizational license of Suburban Downs due to the venue’s failure to provide necessary financial documentation and to comply with the minimum standards outlined in the Horse Racing Act and Title 11 of the Illinois Administrative Code. This suspension follows a prior decision to cancel the January 3-4 races because Suburban Downs did not submit required deposits.
Previously, on October 9, the Commission had approved a 2026 racing schedule for Suburban Downs, granting them an organizational license to conduct 34 days of harness racing at Hawthorne Racetrack in Stickney. All licenses issued by the Commission must comply with the regulations specified in the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975 and Title 11 of the Illinois Administrative Code.
IRB Executive Director Domenic DiSerra stated, “The Illinois Horse Racing Board made the difficult choice to suspend Suburban Downs’ operating license after they failed to provide requested bank statements and financial documents showing their ability to manage the 2026 race schedule.” This financial instability and lack of transparency were pivotal factors in the decision.
In a letter dated January 26, 2026, to Tim Carey, owner and CEO of Suburban Downs, the Commission cited violations of Horse Racing Law Section 230, ILCS 5/9(g), which requires record-keeping in a manner prescribed by the Board and accessibility during regular business hours. The letter also references a breach of 11 Ill. Admin Code 1314.120, stipulating that any dishonored purse check payments must be immediately reported to the Board.
The Board has left the door open for reinstating Suburban Downs’ license, contingent upon resolving these violations and providing proof of meeting financial and regulatory standards as required by the Act and Title 11.
This report was originally published by Paulick Report on January 27, 2026.
Fan Take: This development is significant for horse racing fans because the suspension of a major venue like Suburban Downs impacts the schedule and opportunities for harness racing in Illinois. The situation highlights the importance of financial transparency and regulatory compliance in maintaining the sport’s integrity and sustainability moving forward.
