Tags: Horse Race, Race.
The Illinois Derby is a race for Thoroughbred horses held in early April each year. First run in 1923 the Derby takes place at Hawthorne Race Course located in Stickney/Cicero Illinois just west of Chicago. It is open to horses age three willing to race one and one-eighth miles (9 furlongs) on the dirt. It had been a Grade II race with an offering a purse of $500000 however it was reduced to a Grade III race for 2010 by the American Graded Stakes Committee.