It has been reported that the start of the 2014 racing season in Illinois has been pushed back due to an impasse in contract negotiations between the Illinois Harness Horsemen's Association and the management of Balmoral Park and Maywood Park.
"The Illinois Racing Board requires us to have a contract before we race and we've been unable to come to terms with the racetracks in regards to handling our purse account," IHHA Executive Director Tony Somone has been quoted as saying in an article by The Daily Journal.
Somone added that the IHHA is "hopeful things can be worked out in time for our season to start by this weekend.”
The Daily Journal article states that racing was expected to get underway Wednesday (Feb. 4) at Balmoral followed by a Thursday (Feb. 5) card at Maywood. The report states that both cards have been cancelled.
Talks between the two sides are reportedly ongoing.
The contract impasse comes days after Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed new Advance Deposit Wagering legislation into law.
(With files from The Daily Journal)