In 1973, real estate developer Edward DeBartolo purchased land that housed a half-mile oval called Balmoral Park and converted the property into a 5/8-mile racetrack. For the first time in 24 years, Thoroughbred racing returned to Balmoral in early 1978. Regular summer Thoroughbred meets would be run from 1978 through 1985. In 1988, a new one-mile racing strip was built around the existing 5/8-mile oval.

That same year, a new three-race series was introduced that included nine of the leading jockeys in North America. The Miller High Life Jockey Challenge attracted the likes of Bill Shoemaker, Pat Day, Julie Krone, Laffit Pincay, Jr., and Randy Romero.

In 1991, Balmoral Park became a harness racing facility exclusively. And, in 1998, the track became Chicago’s premier harness racing venue when Sportman’s Park ended their harness meet permanently. All of the stakes races previously held at Sportsman’s Park were transferred to Balmoral, including “Super Night” and all “American National” events. In 2000, the $3.8 million bet on “Super Night” in mid-September was the highest harness handle in Illinois racing history.