Decision On Live Racing At Arlington Park Delayed Due To Contract Disagreement

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CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Failure to reach an agreement between Arlington Racecourse and the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association has delayed an anticipated decision by the Illinois Racing Board.

Putting horses on the track to run without spectators is what Arlington Racecourse wants to do, but in order to get the go-ahead, it needs to cut a new contract with the group that represents horse owners and trainers.

The sticking point is the duration of the contract. The Arlington Heights-based racecourse wants a two-year deal, while the ITHA wants a one year contract.

"We should be focused on getting back to work right now, this year, this summer, because the racing season at Arlington is fast-expiring before our very eyes. It ends in September," said Executive Director Dave McCaffrey.

McCaffrey said that horse owners and trainers want to come back to Illinois.

"Focusing on a one-year contract that gets Arlington back open for the next three months is the best way to get people back home, and quite frankly, it is the best way for Illinois' economy to return to health regarding horse racing, because these people would be back here in Illinois, apposed to being spread out throughout the whole country," he said.

Even with a marathon meeting over the weekend, the two sides couldn’t come up with a deal; and because of that, the Illinois Racing Board has delayed a decision on Arlington until June 18.