Joyce-led proposal to save the Illinois horse racing industry passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD - To give a boost to the horse racing industry and Illinois' economy, State Senator Patrick Joyce passed a bill in the Senate that would, among multiple other items, allow for the development of new horse racing tracks in Illinois.

"Illinois used to be a powerhouse in horse racing and horse breeding," said Joyce (D-Essex). "We are trying to advance the ball on an industry that employs thousands."

House Bill 2724 would allow for the construction of a new harness track in Macon County. The bill would also set a deadline for the development of an additional harness race track and horse racetrack casino, or racino, in Cook County's south suburbs.

A harness racing track in Decatur to be privately financed, requiring no state dollars, is one of the goals of the legislation. The proposal includes a mile-long harness racing track with grandstands, a sports complex and recreation fields, a gaming facility, retail, restaurants and lodging, more than 300 stalls and RV parking. The development projects 300 full-time jobs, 100% union labor and participation, and $27 million in annual, new revenue.

Fourth generation horse trainer Steve Searle from Grant Park said other states such as Ohio and Indiana have become destinations for the industry with many small and growing farms, feed stores, truck and trailer dealerships, restaurants and hotels, and entire ecosystems built around horse racing.

"I started jogging horses when I was 10 years old. I live, eat and sleep this and I'm 65 years old," said Searle. "But we've lost so many talented drivers, trainers and really good owners too. Now I drive more than four hours out of state to race horses. If this project could happen for Illinois, it would be so good for the future generations."

House Bill 2724 passed the Senate on Thursday.

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