Arlington Agrees to Reopen if Horsemen Contract Reached

Arlington International Race Course reversed its stance from this spring and agreed June 5 to start an abbreviated race meeting without spectators, but said no starting date can be set unless a contract is reached with horsemen.

Arlington president Tony Petrillo told a special meeting of the Illinois Racing Board that changing circumstances related to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and a reassessment of financial considerations led to the change of course.

The stumbling block is a legally mandated contract with the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association. The ITHA and Arlington have locked horns over several issues, including purse levels and Arlington's insistence on a two-year contract.

Rather than approve Arlington's plans—reportedly for a 30-day meeting in August and early September, run without stakes races—the IRB recessed the special meeting until June 8 and mandated a meeting of the disputants during the weekend.

"I'd suggest an IRB staff member and a commissioner attend that meeting," commissioner Thomas McCauley said, "and if John Walsh could accommodate us at Hawthorne, neutral territory, that would be appreciated."

Walsh, Hawthorne Race Course's assistant general manager, said the track, which will resume its summer harness meeting this weekend, "would be delighted to accommodate you."

Before the board took up Arlington's dates proposal, several trainers urged quick agreement on a contract. Larry Rivelli, who has been working closely with the track, said he has contacted "34 or 35 trainers" about contract provisions. He said they are "all in agreement" with a 2020 overnight purse structure of $130,000 to $150,000 and a proposed guarantee of $150,000 for the 2021 season.

Trainer Chris Block, noting Arlington's backstretch can't open without an agreement, also pleaded for a quick resolution.

"I'm in constant contact with horsemen who would like to run at Arlington if at all possible," Block said. "They're in a holding pattern. They need access to a place to train. The sooner, the better to get the track open for training would be imperative."

Petrillo also noted Arlington will have to try to recall furloughed employees to work a short season, prepare facilities, and ensure the condition of the racing surfaces before the season can get underway.

"It's not as easy as turning on and off a switch," Petrillo said. "To have another delay for these people, it makes one very distraught."