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HAWTHORNE TRACK UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT Chicago Business Mens Racing Association Buys the Lease on Old Cicero Course from Thomas E. Bourke Judge Joseph A. Murphy to Be in Charge The Chicago Business Mens Racing Association has secured control of the Hawthorne track. The deal for the transfer ol the lease from Thomas Bourke, who was the general . manager of the Illinois Jockey Club, which conducted racing at Hawthorne in 1922 and 1923, to the group of Chicago business men has been hanging fire for some time, but negotiations are now completed and the Chicago Business Mens Racing Association will take possession of Hawthorne on -February 16. Judge Joseph A. Murphy, presiding steward at New Orleans, is at the head of this Chicago organization and attorney Albert Sabath, the legal representative. Attorney Sabath recently returned from New Orleans, where he conferred at length with Judge Murphy. The Chicago Business Mens Racing Association takes over the five-year lease on the grounds held by Bourke. It is said that this lease carries an option of a renewal, as well as a clause giving an option to buy the whole of the Hawthorne plant and racing ground, which is located in the township of Stickney, adjoining Cicero, 111. Thomas Carey is the owner of the property. The taking over of Hawthorne does not mean the abandonment of the proposed track at Riverdale, 111., the Chicago Business Mens Racing Association assuring the people of Chicago that it is its intention to build there in the near future. Attorney Albert Sabath is hopeful of soon securing a legal interpretation of the Illinois Taws-governing betting:-at race tracks and believes that it will be such as to permit wagers on racing without interference from the authorities. It is judge Murphys intention to immediately perfect a western racing association and governing booard so that there will be no possible conflicting of dates. Judge Murphy is more than enthusiastic about restoring racing in Missouri, as the Supreme Court of that state has the matter before it and a favorable decision is expected. After the closing of Jefferson Tark at New Orleans on March 17 with the -running of the Louisiana Derby, judge Murphy will come to Chicago and take up the reins to perfect the program for the ensuing year. Nothing definite has been settled about the opening dates, but every assurance is given that arrangements will be made so there will be no conflict of dates that amount to much. Naturally there has to be many changes at Hawthorne and no one is more competent than secretary Charles T. Essig to work the matters out. "The public is concerned," said Mr. Essig, "and every detail will receive full consideration. As soon as we zrain full possession of the track, work will commence getting the stables in readiness for horses shipping from the South. "Dr. Joseph M. Keiser, in charge of the ; veterinarian staff, lias been given full authority to go ahead and put the plant in 1 sanitary condition, with no ropes tied to j him, and you may depend that he will deliver the goods."
