By IL Public Radio
Springfield, IL – All bets are on for wagering on horse races at the state's two major fairs. State agriculture officials say they're thrilled with an agreement that will allow the tradition to continue.
Harness races are a big attraction at the fairs in both DuQuoin and Springfield. Ag officials say betting on these races draws a bigger crowd and adds excitement.
But the state's fiscal troubles almost put an end to betting on harness races this year.
The state racing board ... which must be on hand to monitor betting ... had questioned if it could afford regulating them.
The board's Mickey Ezzo says a shifting of financial responsibilities and some cuts will make it possible. "They're not going to be seen by the public. The cutbacks we are looking at is ... instead of for instance sending for instance two licensed clerks to the fairs to do the licensing of the participants, we'll only send one. "
The department of agriculture will also pick up some of the costs ... like paying for a vet to perform drug tests.
The new arrangement will not have effect on the payout for winning gamblers ... nor on the purse for winning horses.
There are some cutbacks: to save money, there will be two fewer days of harness racing at DuQuoin. In addition, DuQuoin will no longer feature the World Trotting Derby. There's no change to the six days of racing at the State Fair in Springfield.
