Hawthorne fees dispute settled

After a delay of nearly two hours on Friday, racing returned to Hawthorne Racecourse with jockeys agreeing to an increase in their riding fees.

Hawthorne was able to complete its nine-race card once the first race got under way shortly before 5 p.m. It had been scheduled to start at 3 p.m., but jockeys refused to race until a new mount-fee was settled.

According to a report at www.dfr.com, jockeys were successful in getting the daily riding fee raised from $45 to $75, and jockeys that finish fourth or fifth will also receive a 2 percent commission. The report said the agreement was reached among jockeys, Illinois horsemen and the Illinois Racing Board.