Yesterday’s Supreme Court refusal to hear the appeal of four Illinois riverboat casinos for relief from statutory payments to racing in the state should clear the way for distribution of some $80 million held in escrow to tracks.

Based on a 43% share for harness and 57% stake for the runners, and a 60-40 split of those monies between purses and tracks, Illinois harness purses could reap a $20,640,000 windfall, and harness tracks could pick up $13,760,000, if published reports are accurate.

Depending on how soon the U.S. supreme court officially notifies the Illinois supreme
court, Thoroughbred Times correspondent Neil Milbert reports distribution of the new purse funds could be on the July 14 Illinois Racing Board agenda.

The high court’s decision not to hear the issue should mark the end of the road for the riverboats’ legal efforts, and it would appear Illinois horsemen finally will get to see the money.

(Harness Tracks of America)