Racecourse, Horsemen Reach Agreement; Racing Returns In July

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — It appears there will be horse racing at Arlington International Racecourse this summer after all. Nearly two weeks after signing off to live racing without fans, Arlington and the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association reached a tentative agreement Wednesday for the 2020 and 2021 race meets. The two sides had been embroiled in a contract dispute with purse levels and Arlington's insistence on a two-year contract being the main stumbling blocks.

The summer race meet without spectators is scheduled to begin on July 23 with racing happening Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through Sept. 30, according to a statement from Arlington International Racecourse. Post time is set for 2 p.m. each racing day.

The Illinois Racing Board will render a decision on the revised meet plan Thursday, which would make the agreement official if agreed to.

Arlington is working with local city officials to open its backstretch to welcome owners and trainers back to the track on or before July 6, according to the statement.

• Arlington Racetrack Signs Off On Racing Without Fans
• Pritzker: Horse Racing Can Return To Illinois

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