Illinois Department of Agriculture
and Illinois Racing Board Announce Patron Free Live Horse Racing
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[June 15, 2020]
Horse racing is returning to Illinois tracks in
June. The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) worked with
various stakeholders to bring patron free standardbred and
thoroughbred racing back on tracks around the state while adhering
to the social distancing guidelines. The move is an effort to
provide economic relief to the horse racing industry, as other
states have done.
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“These conditions necessitate changes to keep
horse racing going in Illinois” said Domenic DiCera, Illinois Racing
Board, Executive Director. “The return of live horse racing in
Illinois is welcomed by many hardworking men and woman that work and
are committed to this industry.”
“We have been working almost since the start of the pandemic to find
a way to get horses back on the tracks in Illinois,” said Jerry
Costello II, IDOA, acting Director. “We think the safety guidelines
that have been laid out for social distancing of personnel while at
the track, as well as the other precautions being taken to protect
the horseman will allow for a safe racing environment, while
maintaining the integrity of the sport.”
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“It is great to see racing return to Illinois,” said
Jockeys’ Guild Regional Manager, Jeff Johnston. On behalf of the
jockeys that reside in Illinois and others that regularly plan their
summer around Illinois racing we are thankful we can get back to
work. We appreciate the state of Illinois working with the Jockeys’
Guild to ensure protocols are in place to protect jockeys, valets,
and other racetrack workers and we look forward to the day when we
can hear fans cheering in the stands.”
Only licensed essential personnel for the care of racehorses, and
those necessary to conduct live racing will be allowed on the
grounds. Wagering will take place online since no spectators are
allowed in the venues.
[Illinois Office of Communication and
Information] |