CRETE, IL — Balmoral Park's days hosting harness racing might be done, but its new owner has given fans a quick glimpse of what's ahead for the facility.
Horse Shows in the Sun (known as HITS) released a 30-second preview of its vision for the beloved venue, which was sold in the spring for $1.6 million after its owners couldn't climb out of bankruptcy.
The 200-acre site will re-open as home to show-jumping competitions—roughly 14 a year in the spring and summer, Daily Southtown reported in May. HITS will partner with Showplace Productions to organize the shows.
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While the use of the venue, 26435 S. Dixie Highway in Crete, will change, fans can expect the excitement to remain. Riders will compete for about $15 million each year.
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It'll take some time to revamp the grounds, including remodeling the park's permanent stables and adding six competition rings. And the name will stay.
HITS alludes to a Spring 2017 opening.
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