Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

IHHA & Chicago Tracks Sign 2007 Contract

December 21, 2006

The Illinois Harness Horsemen's Association signed an agreement with track management for Balmoral and Maywood Park Racetracks for the 2007 racing season. The agreement was signed Tuesday, December 19, 2006 and will allow
for racing to continue uninterrupted through next year.

Details of the 2007 Contract between Tracks & IHHA
---A reduction in the daily "take-out" from the purse account which will increase
purses by approximately $72,000.00 annually (This is a direct result of a more
efficient administration of IHHA insurance program)

---The Licensees have agreed that all stakes, sustaining, and starting payments shall be allocated to purses and there will be no deductions for advertising, administrative, etc., and they will provide an accounting of all funds received and purses paid.

---The Licensees have agreed that they shall increase purses when underpayment exceeds $300,000.00 except upon agreement with IHHA. (Allows horsemen to have
control over purse monies)

---Provision that if HB1918 is settled favorably, then recapture will be waived. If this does not occur, then Licensees shall defer 70% recapture entitlement (with "sunset" on 12/31/13).

---Increases rate of interest to be paid on purse account monies to be consistent with current rates.

--Approval of the IHHA is necessary for all stake races. (The IHHA has designated a
"not to exceed" amount for such stake races)

---Extension of time allowed for ordering video replays to 48 hours (rather
than same day)

---The IHHA agrees to reduce restrictions relating to the Licensees acceptance of other stables until such time that purses are increased by minimum percentage. (This was addressed due to concerns re adequate horse population to conduct maximum number of racing opportunities)

---The IHHA agrees to a maximum of 5 nine horse fields at Maywood (previously 4).

---The Licensee shall add $300.00 from their retained share of handle to purses for such races. This amount is not a deduction from horsemen's retained share.

---The Licensees shall provide adequate number of stalls for all entrants (horses) in a single paddock which shall accommodate all horses programmed to race in such program. The number of stalls provided in the single paddock shall be equal to the number of entrants in such program.

---The Licensees shall schedule a minimum of 72 races per week in each week for they have been awarded six race programs. (In exchange for the IHHA not opposing Jan/Feb Saturday matinees, the Licensee did execute separate Agreement providing that they will conduct 6 programs live racing, Tuesday thru Sunday for the period of awarded 2007 dates with the exception of referred to matinee period)

---Establishment of a monthly "trainer's award" ($75.00 Dinner gift certificate) to trainer who has gone above and beyond in maintaining their assigned area, to be funded by Licensees. (All parties agree that cleanliness and good maintenance adds to our professional image)

---Provides that Licensee shall provide an on-track ambulance during qualifiers as well as regular racing programs (Note: This has been past practice).

Items of interest which still prevail from prior Contracts:
---12% Purse bonus to ICF horses finishing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in races open to non-ICF horses, where no entry, nominating, or starting fees are paid.

---Provisions relating to recapture (deferrals, sunsets, etc) in prior contracts remains unchanged.

---The Licensee continues to provide, at their sole expense, insurance for licensed USTA member trainers and drivers, licensed by IRB and actively participating at Maywood/Balmoral. The insurance covers accidental death/dismemberment, medical accident coverage for racing participants, and 104 weeks disability insurance to participants during activities relating to jogging, training, and warm up for the conduct of any race.

---Sulky insurance remains in force.
---Minimum Claiming price remains at $4,000 & Qualifiers remain the same.
---Discussions will resume regarding joint efforts regarding conduct of pre-race blood/gas testing, Grievance and mediation procedures continue in force.
---Contract shall expire 12/31/07