A message from Mike Campbell, President, ITHA
Dear Fellow Horsemen:
When I began my term as President of the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association in January of 2010 neither my Board of Directors, Executive
Director Glen Berman, or myself could have imagined the sad state of affairs that this industry had sunk to.
The level of despair was palpable on the backsides of both Arlington Park and Hawthorne Race Course and pretty much industry wide.
If we had a dollar for every time we were told that "it isn't possible" the ITHA would be rich.
However, the ITHA Board went to work with a positive attitude and a passion for this industry and with support from our membership and many volunteers we have achieved a host of wins for the Horsemen of Illinois.
The ITHA is honored to serve the finest Horsemen we know, the horsemen of Illinois, and will continue in its effort to advocate the resurgence of Illinois Thoroughbred Racing.
The following are just some of the accomplishments of the ITHA Board of Directors.
ITHA Accomplishments in 2010- 2011
1. Re-organize the ITHA so that all arms operated independently and legally with individual presidents and boards
2. Successfully got SB 744 (Slots at the Track) passed through the Illinois House and Senate
-Presently awaiting Gov. Quinn’s Signature
3. Successfully oversaw the release of the impact fee monies
4. Segregated horsemen’s purse accounts that are no longer co-mingled with track accounts
5. Negotiated a 25% increase to the purses at Arlington Park for the 2011 race meet
6. Reduced stakes purses from 24% of the horsemen purse account to 18%
7. Increased six Illinois Stakes at Hawthorne from $100,000 to $125,000 for the 2011 Fall meet
8. Passed IRB Rule that provides the ITHA final annual approval for consent of ADW licensing platform
9. Ask for and receive IRB rule change regarding return to 8 horse scratch policy
10. Increased percentage of ADW over $100,000 per month to the purse account at Arlington
11. Stabilized purse account (no deficit) while increasing purses at both Arlington and Hawthorne
12. Pursued a Legislative agenda that is recognized as being effective among Illinois Legislators and senior leadership
13. Created and Developed Galloping Out Horse Rescue Fund to help aid in the retirement of former race horses
Sincerely,
Michael B. Campbell
President, ITHA