Illinois regulator suspends Suburban Downs organization license

The Illinois Racing Board has suspended the organization license of Suburban Downs racetrack for failing to provide documentation which demonstrates its financial integrity as well as proof it could meet the minimum standards defined in state’s Horse Racing Act. 

“Today the Illinois Racing Board made a very difficult decision to suspend the operating license of Suburban Downs,” Illinois Racing Board Executive Director Domenic DiCera said. 

“On January 15th, IRB requested bank statements that reflect the operating fund, and any fund related to racing operations at Suburban Downs. Unfortunately, their financial difficulties, including failure to provide financial documents showing their ability to operate assigned 2026 race dates, have led us to suspend their license.”

Despite awarding Suburban Downs with an organization license on October 9, the Racing Board chose to cancel events scheduled to take place at the racetrack on January 3 and 4. 

Suburban Downs was originally expected to host 34 race days during 2026, but will need to submit the required documentation and cure the Horse Racing Act violations for the Board to consider reinstating its organization license. 

In a letter issued to Suburban Downs Owner and CEO Tim Carey, the regulator stated it “may require that the records, including financial or other statements…be kept in such manner as prescribed by the Board, and that Board employees shall have access to those records during reasonable business hours.” 

The letter also outlines violations found under Title 11 of the Illinois Administrative Code, which refers any “dishonorable” check payments issued by Suburban Downs to the Racing Board.