May 9, 2006

Ms. Lorna E. Propes, Chairman

Illinois Racing Board

James R. Thompson Center

100 W. Randolph – Suite 11-100

Chicago, IL 60601

Dear Chairman Propes and Members of the Illinois Racing Board:

The Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Association (IHHA) adopted the following resolution at our April 2006 Board of Directors meeting:

Whereas the synthetic pharmaceutical products of human glycoproteins erythropoietin (EPO) and darbepoetin (DarboEPO) are prohibited drugs.

Whereas the use of the drugs in race horses can dangerously increase the blood viscosity of race horses and can cause damage to the immune system of the horse damaging their ability to produce healthy red blood cells and can negatively affect the horse’s own erythropoietin and lead to severe anemia or death.

Whereas an Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) has been developed that can readily detect elevated tiers of anti-recombinant EPO antibody produced in the horse’s blood…

Whereas increasing numbers of states have adopted EPO testing and implemented rules and penalties for positive tests. (See New Jersey Racing Commission)

We, the directors of the IHHA hereby petition the Illinois Racing Board (IRB) to take the necessary steps as soon as possible to implement random tests.

Sincerely,

Martin Engel

Martin Engel

President - IHHA