from the Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Association

Hinsdale, IL — After a negotiating session on Sunday (Dec. 19), the Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Association and representatives from Maywood/Balmoral came to an agreement on a 2011 racing contract. The agreement was unanimously approved by the IHHA board of directors today.

The key elements to the bill are as follows:

• Horsemen will continue to pay 30 percent of recapture owed in 2011; the same as in past years.

• There will be a 5 percent purse increase starting January 1.

• We will race 52 weeks in 2011.

• We have significant downside protection to our purses in the event of a large decline of purses generated.

• In an effort to increase field size, Balmoral Park will reduce the number of races per week from 36 to 33.