During these extremely difficult times, the IHHA wants to encourage anyone who needs a helping hand, to reach out to us. We understand that horsemen are an incredibly resilient group but we are also aware that we are living through a truly unique situation. If you or your family or your horses are in dire straits and have nowhere to turn to, please don’t hesitate to call the IHHA office at 630-323-0808 and leave a message on how we can contact you. We will keep this as confidential as possible. You can also reach out to Clark Fairley at 217-276-1118, Angie Coleman at 312-287-4613, Hosea Williams at 312- 909-5043, John Zawistowski at 815-530-3465, Craig Grummel at 618-541-1205, Steve Searle at 815-685-0249, Merv Chupp at 708-205-3670 or any other IHHA director that you may know. Be smart and be safe.

The IHHA understands that during these trying times everyone is seeking answers to what the future holds. We wish we could be more specific in our announcements but unfortunately so much information is unclear and changing every hour. What we do know is that racing has been shut down by order of the Governor’s office. We are hoping to return to racing on May 1^st but right now that is simply a target date and not written in stone. Is there a chance we can get back to racing sooner than that? Possibly, but unlikely. Is there a chance we could be shut down further? It is possible but just like so many other citizens of Illinois, we just don’t know. We are keenly aware of how difficult this situation is for everyone and we will work to get back to racing as soon as it is safe enough to do so but the final decision is ultimately not ours.

Click on the link below to read some developments on new programs and packages that have evolved since the Covid-19 pandemic. Covid-19 Links

Billy Johnston, 84, dies

Click below for more.

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The Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Association stands in full support of the investigation that has led to the recent Federal indictments that have sent shock waves through our industry. We welcome the full and thorough legal process that will now take place.  We also approve of the recent policies set forth by Hawthorne Racecourse in response to those indictments.  While our purpose as an association is to always work for the betterment of horsemen and their families, we also understand that we must be committed to accomplishing our goals by adhering to the highest standards of integrity……..The Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Association

I helped write the above paragraph and after truly processing it, I realized that nothing should ever stand in the way of the greater good of this association. For that reason, last week I announced to the board of the IHHA that I was stepping down as President of the Association but will remain on as a board member. I was not pushed by the board to resign but am doing so to maintain complete transparency and because it is the right thing to do given the investigation now underway in New York. My interest in that case is at best distant as I am certain discovery will reveal in due time………Marty Engel

With the resignation of Marty as the IHHA President, Clark Fairley, formerly the Vice-President will step into the lead role. Craig Grummel will move up to Vice-President.

As a part of the Governor’s Covid-19 shelter in place order, as you all know Hawthorne has ceased racing. The racetrack will remain closed for live racing until the Governor allows us to return. The earliest we could possibly return would be the weekend of April 10^th, yet please understand that is a best case scenario. It could last longer. How long? No one, absolutely no one, can guess at this time. These are unprecedented times. News of this pandemic is changing daily and very quickly. We will update everyone as soon as possible when we get any more news. In the meantime, please be smart and stay safe.

The two-year-old Night of Champion nomination due date has been extended to June 1st, 2020. Click below for more.

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