Contact: Mickey Ezzo
312-814-5017

Schedule released for racing hearings

CHICAGO, IL -- The Illinois Racing Board has scheduled hearings to address the state of horse racing in Illinois. These hearings will address the difficulties and challenges confronting horse racing in Illinois. The hearings, chaired by IRB Commissioner John Simon, will be held on Tuesday, July 18 and Wednesday, July 19 on the 16th floor, room 503, of the James R. Thompson Center, 100 W. Randolph Street, Chicago, Illinois starting at 10:00 a.m. The hearing on Monday, July 24 will be held on the 5th floor at 160 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois, also starting at 10:00 a.m. These hearings are open to the public.

SCHEDULE (Subject to Change)

July 18 - 10:00 a.m.
Bill Wright - Illinois Harness Racing Strategic Planning Council
Greg Avioli - National Thoroughbred Racing Association
Terry Hunt - Cottonwood Farm
Ed Duffy - National Jockey Club
D. Wayne Lukas – Hall of Fame Thoroughbred trainer
Eddie Arroyo - Steward, Illinois Racing Board
Ed Weil - Thoroughbred owner

July 19 - 10:00 a.m.
William Stiritz - Fairmount Park
Lanny Brooks - Illinois HBPA
David McCaffrey - Standardbred trainer
Phil Langley - Balmoral Park and Maywood Park
Ed Teefey - Standardbred owner/breeder Dee Poulos - Thoroughbred trainer
Chris Block - Thoroughbred trainer

July 24 - 10:00 a.m.
Dr. Richard Thalheimer - Thalheimer Research Associates
Gary Stevens - Hall of Fame jockey
Steve Holland - Thoroughbred owner/breeder
John Walzak –Ontario Harness Horsemen’s Association
Richard Duchossois - Arlington Park
Ervin Miller - Standardbred trainer
Jim Reynolds - Standardbred breeder
Ed Martin – Association of Racing Commissioners International