June 9, 2006

Ms. Lorna E. Propes, Chairman

Illinois Racing Board

James R. Thompson Center

100 W. Randolph Suite 11-100

Chicago, Illinois 60601

Dear Chairman Propes and Members of the Illinois Racing Board:

Re: Driver Changes allowed by Judges

I want to express my concern regarding the manner in which the judges will handle driver changes when racing resumes at Balmoral and Maywood Parks later this month. In the past, when a driver was sick or unable to drive a particular horse which necessitated a driver change, the judges held the position that there were no restrictions as long as the change was made prior to an hour before the first race. Trainers and owners could select any driver available in order to make the necessary change.

However, beginning late last year, the judges at Balmoral and Maywood were not allowing changes to be made unless they resulted in assigning a driver of equal skills or comparable UDR percentages. With many drivers now driving elsewhere and more racing at Balmoral (10 horse fields), there are generally not enough available drivers to choose from who meet the judges’ criteria. As a result of these limitations, quite often, the trainer is unable to choose the best available driver. Also, situations occurred where the judges were forced to scratch a horse because they and the trainer were at an impasse in selecting from the available drivers. This is an unfair method which can have a negative impact on a horse’s earning potential, thus harming the owners and trainers who must bear the high costs of keeping the horses in shape and then losing an opportunity to race due to an illogical set of standards.

This policy is not being used by any other race track (Harness or Thoroughbred) in the country. Furthermore, it is not even being used at the Hawthorne meet in the same state. At Hawthorne, when a change is necessary, trainers and owners are allowed to select from any driver available. There are no limitations or suggestions as far as who should be used. How is this possible? What rules or standards prescribed by the Illinois Racing Board do the judges follow? Is it possible that someone else (like track management) is dictating what rules that the judges should follow? I certainly hope that this is not the case. Each track must follow the same rules and standardization is essential. The rules must be fair to the horse owners and trainers, as well as to the drivers. With the proper announcements and postings of driver changes on track TV screens, it is then also fair to the fans.

I have received numerous complaints from drivers, trainers and owners regarding the policy followed at Balmoral and Maywood. A policy like this is yet another reason why trainers, drivers and owners in the State of Illinois either leave horse racing or send their horses to race elsewhere. We cannot afford any more losses of horsemen. I want to ensure that when we return to Balmoral and Maywood, that this will not be a major issue anymore. I hope that the situation regarding driver change criteria can be resolved so that everyone is satisfied.

Sincerely,

Martin Engel

President IHHA