HITS Chicago at the former Balmoral Racetrack in Chicago, Illinois will be making its world debut next month, and the fine folks at HITS have given us a taste of the expansive grounds and dramatic transformation happening at their new 200-acre facility.
The racetrack clubhouse has been transformed into elegant equestrian spectating, the track itself cannibalized for several rings, including the massive 5* ring in front of the stands.
From the HITS website, “Balmoral Park will feature USEF Rated National & Premier Hunters and 4* & 5* Jumpers, as well as a USHJA International Hunter Derby, FEI rated events and qualifiers for the HITS Championship. The spacious 200-acre property boasts countless hospitality amenities including a 4,467 seat mint-condition grand stand, and a state-of-the-art VIP Clubhouse featuring climate-controlled seating overlooking all of the competition rings.”
While it’s a bittersweet transition for many who remember Balmoral as one of the premiere thoroughbred and harness racing tracks in the United States, the transition to an equestrian facility ensures that the heart and history of the track is preserved in a way that many tracks are not. (Take Hollywood Park in Los Angeles, for example, which was razed to make room for another football stadium.) If you’re interested in the history of Balmoral Park, we highly recommend this tribute video made when the park closed.
You can get all the prize lists, dates and details on the HITS Website, and we look forward to bringing you loads of coverage from the Windy City soon! Go HITS, Go Balmoral, and Go Jumping.