Jockeys’ Guild Asks Governor, Legislature to ‘Save Horse Racing in Illinois’

NICHOLASVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Jockeys’ Guild has sent letters to Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and all state legislators, asking them to “save horse racing in Illinois.”

“ensure the long-term success of the horse racing business in Illinois and provide stability for the thousands of Illinois residents who depend on the industry for their livelihood… The viability of the industry is essential to the fans’ continued enjoyment and active participation in the sport.”

In the letter, Jockeys’ Guild National Manager Terry Meyocks tells state leaders he understands the pressures they face from large corporate interests. However, he states, “Throughout this process please keep in mind the best interests of the industry as a whole, including all of the owners, breeders, horsemen and their employees, and the jockeys (active and disabled), as well as the agricultural businesses in Illinois that provide goods and services to the industry. All of these components create thousands of jobs within Illinois.”

The letter urges lawmakers to “ensure the long-term success of the horse racing business in Illinois and provide stability for the thousands of Illinois residents who depend on the industry for their livelihood… The viability of the industry is essential to the fans’ continued enjoyment and active participation in the sport.”

Slots would allow racing purses to be significantly increased, which would strengthen the horse industry. The state of Illinois also would benefit from additional revenue. But the letter suggests a percentage of any revenues generated from slots be designated to provide for the health and welfare of the jockeys who regularly ride in Illinois, as is currently being done in five other states. The Guild says this is necessary to help jockeys pay for temporary disability and other benefits. Churchill Downs, Inc., the owner of Arlington Park and three other U.S. tracks, has pulled out of a longstanding agreement with the Guild to contribute to these benefits.

Meyocks warns, “Sadly, we have seen too many recent instances where the racing industry has taken the back seat to other business concerns, and that is affecting the industry’s ability to survive and prosper. While you are considering what is best for the state of Illinois, please ensure that any legislation aimed at improving conditions for the horse industry takes into account all interests involved.”

The full text of the letter is available at: http://www.jockeysguild.com/news/2011/11/letterfromjockeysguildtothegovernorandillinoislegislators.html.

Jockeys’ Guild, Inc., represents approximately 950 professional jockeys in the United States, active, retired and disabled. More info available at www.jockeysguild.com or www.facebook.com/jockeysguild.