| Executive Director Email Tony S. Membership/Questions Email Noel A. Insurance Questions Email Marlene R. |
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15 Spinning Wheel Road, Suite 432 • Hinsdale, IL 60521 |
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Contract Information2009 Contract Information 01/20/09 The IHHA is pleased to announce that an agreement has been reached with the racetracks for our 2009 contract that includes no purse cuts before June 1st and keeping recapture initially unchanged. Along with several other provisions, the 2009 contract is a positive outcome for the association after much negotiation and hard work.The new contact calls for recapture remaining at 70% deferred and 30% paid. However, when money begins to flow from HB1918 and HB4758, because of a side agreement with the tracks that is in place, recapture will be completely waived for the following three years.Prior to June 1st, there will be no purse cuts. Starting January 28th and ending June 1st, both Maywood Park and Balmoral Park are entitled to receive 3% interest on the current purse account but only for the amount of overpayment in excess of $300,000. On June 1st the interest rate stops, but the racetrack will have the option of cutting purses, renegotiating the interest rate or extending this provision. This is the only portion of the contract that will be ending on June 1st. In addition, a system will be in place to protect racing opportunities for horsemen currently racing in IL.. The nine horse field provision remains in the contract as well. ------------------------- 2007 Contract Information 12-21-06 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. 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 controlover 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 Maywood (previously 4). (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 12/31/07 THE 2007 CONTRACT IN ITS ENTIRETY WILL BE ACCESSIBLE ON YOUR IHHA WEBSITE SHORTLY. ------------------------- 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 for their support and input. We look forward to working together, collectively with all involved in horse racing, for the betterment of the industry. George Bonomo – President ------------------------- 11-30-2006 2007 Contract Negotiations 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. More detailed updates will be available on this website after that meeting. |
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