12-21-06
2007 CONTRACT INFORMATION
We have an executed Agreement for 2007 with Maywood/Balmoral. Details of items of interest are listed below. The IHHA thanks all who have contributed to insuring that racing will continue uninterrupted. Commonality of goals, cooperative efforts, mutual respect, understanding and acknowledgment that we are all legitimate business people did enable all parties to come to agreement.
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A reduction in the daily “take-out” from the purse account which will increase
purses by approximately $72,000.00 annually
(This is a direct result of a more
efficient administration of IHHA insurance program)
The Licensees have agreed that all stakes, sustaining, and starting payments shall
be allocated to purses and there will be no deductions for advertising, administrative,
etc., and they will provide an accounting of all funds received and purses paid.
The Licensees have agreed that they shall increase purses when underpayment exceeds
$300,000.00 except upon agreement with
IHHA. (Allows horsemen to have
control
over purse monies)
Provision that if HB1918 is settled favorably, then recapture will be waived. If this does not occur, then Licensees shall defer 70% recapture entitlement (with “sunset” on 12/31/13).
Increases rate of interest to be paid on purse account monies to be consistent with
current rates.
Approval of the IHHA is necessary for all stake races. (The IHHA has designated a
“not to exceed”
amount for such stake races)
Extension of time allowed for ordering video replays to 48 hours (rather than same day).
The IHHA agrees to reduce restrictions relating to the
Licensees acceptance of other stables until such time that purses are increased
by minimum percentage. (This was
addressed due to concerns re adequate horse population to conduct maximum
number of racing opportunities)
The IHHA agrees to a maximum of 5 nine horse fields at
(The Licensee shall
add $300.00 from their retained share of handle to purses for such
races. This amount is not a deduction from horsemen’s retained share)
The Licensees shall provide adequate number of stalls for all entrants (horses) in a single paddock which shall accommodate all horses programmed to race in such program. The number of stalls provided in the single paddock shall be equal to the number of entrants in such program.
The Licensees shall schedule a minimum of 72 races per week
in each week for they have been awarded six race programs. (In exchange for the IHHA not opposing Jan/Feb Saturday matinees, the
Licensee did execute separate Agreement providing that they will conduct 6
programs live racing, Tuesday thru Sunday for the period of awarded 2007 dates
with the exception of referred to matinee period)
Establishment of a monthly “trainer’s award” ($75.00 Dinner
gift certificate) to trainer who has gone above and beyond in maintaining their
assigned area, to be funded by Licensees. (All
parties agree that cleanliness and good maintenance adds to our professional
image)
Provides that Licensee shall provide an on-track ambulance
during qualifiers as well as regular
racing programs (Note: This has been
past practice. We have merely added
language to the contract)
Items of interest
which still prevail from prior Contracts:
12% Purse bonus to ICF horses finishing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in races open to non-ICF horses, where no entry, nominating, or starting fees are paid.
Provisions relating to recapture (deferrals, sunsets, etc) in prior contracts remains unchanged.
The Licensee continues to provide, at their sole expense, insurance for licensed USTA member trainers and drivers, licensed by IRB and actively participating at Maywood/Balmoral. The insurance covers accidental death/dismemberment, medical
accident coverage for racing participants, and 104 weeks disability insurance to participants during activities relating to jogging, training, and warm up for the conduct of any race.
Sulky insurance remains in force as previous
Minimum Claiming price remains at $4000.00
Qualifiers remain the same.
Discussions will resume regarding joint efforts re conduct of pre-race blood/gas testing.
Grievance and mediation procedures continue in force.
Contract shall expire
THE 2007 CONTRACT IN
ITS ENTIRETY WILL BE ACCESSIBLE ON YOUR IHHA WEBSITE SHORTLY.
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12-19-2006
IHHA & Track Management Sign
Agreement for 2007
The Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Association is pleased to announce that they have signed an agreement with track management for Balmoral Race Course and Maywood Park Race Track for the 2007 racing season. The agreement was signed today, Tuesday, December 19, 2006 and will allow for racing to continue uninterrupted through next year. Both sides negotiated in good faith and the IHHA would like to thank track management and all others for their efforts to get a deal signed well ahead of year end.
Details of the agreement will be posted on the IHHA web site shortly (www.harnressillinois.com ).
The IHHA would also
like to thank the horsemen and horsewomen of
Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Association
2007 Contract Negotiations
11-30-2006
Contract Update
The
IHHA and Balmoral & Maywood track management met on Tuesday, November 28th
for discussions concerning the 2007contract. The recapture issue and the effect
and status of HB1918 were discussed. The negotiating committee plans to meet
again with management during the first week of December.