100 West
October 4, 2006
Dear Chairman Propes:
The Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Association (IHHA) applauds the Illinois Racing Board in taking action to initiate emergency rule making for the testing of EPO. As you know, earlier this year the IHHA urged the Illinois Racing Board to take such action. As much as the horsemen and women of this state want to see this rule implemented in order to help level the playing field, we do have concerns with the consequences of when this rule is applied after horses are claimed. While we understand the legal complexities involved, we feel this issue needs to be addressed as soon as possible. By not allowing owners to void a claim on a horse that has tested positive for EPO, the unattended consequence is to punish an innocent party. Obviously this is not the intent of the rule and the IHHA urges the IRB to take action as soon as possible to initiate rule making to allow owners to void claims when a horse tests positive for EPO.
Sincerely,
Executive Director