For the third time in two weeks, representatives from Arlington International Racecourse and the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (ITHA) arrived at a crucial Illinois Racing Board (IRB) meeting without a signed contract for the 2020 meet, again putting in jeopardy the already delayed and curtailed summer racing season.
Thursday morning’s IRB meeting went into recess 43 minutes after it started after both sides stated that they are close, but not in total agreement over a contract that would cover both 2020 and 2021 racing at Arlington.
The recess is designed to give commissioners time to decide how to handle the situation. The IRB has repeatedly stated it will not grant race dates without a signed contract in place.
Arlington president Tony Petrillo testified that a deal could get done today within 30 to 60 minutes if the IRB mediates a last-ditch attempt to reach an agreement. He expressed doubt that a contract would get signed without the IRB’s involvement.
David McCaffrey, the ITHA’s executive director, testified that the new sticking point is what would happen to the contract’s terms if Arlington gets granted a different dates structure or simulcasting host status in the future after the deal is inked.
The meeting is set to resume at noon Eastern. This story will be updated.
The post Arlington, ITHA Arrive at IRB Meeting Without Signed Contract appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.
