by John Pawlak, the U.S. Trotting Association

Columbus, OH — Gaming at Illinois’ racetrack came up short earlier this week, but Dave McCaffrey, president of the Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Association, wrote the following on the IHHA website, pledging to work hard to see that the concept advances.

“As it has been reported, yesterday, SB 744 failed to pass out of Executive Committee. One of the reasons it did not pass was Arlington Park opposing it at that time.

“However, we have learned that the labor dispute that Arlington Park was having has been settled and they, now along with union labor, will be supporting the bill. Now there should be nothing impeding our bill’s progress, at least from the horse racing industry.

“We are hoping that the bill will be back in Executive Committee by as early as tomorrow (Friday). If successful, it will then be followed by a vote in the House and hopefully a winning tally in the Senate.

“We have been through this before and we are anticipating a rocky road of highs and lows in the final days of this session. We will try and keep everyone close to the action as it develops.”