Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
There were no horseplayers in the house, but the show went on without them Friday night when Hawthorne Race Course opened its summer harness meeting.
Although the track was closed as a wagering facility because of a contract dispute with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers that represents the mutuel clerks, the races were run and simulcast to in-state and out-of-state off-track betting outlets.
“The horsemen are taking a strong position; they want to race,” Illinois Racing Board executive director Marc Laino said.
“Legally, the Racing Board doesn’t have the authority to intervene (in the dispute between Hawthorne and the mutuel clerks). We’re encouraging them to get back to the table.”
