Illinois Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association INC.

Due to several reasons, there will be no annual H.B.P.A. Paddock Sale this year. After much discussion the Board voted unanimously to forego the sale after looking at the lack of interest in the last couple of years. We will monitor the state of Illinois racing in the coming months and make decisions based on what transpires. We will continue to sell horses through our web-site www.ilhbpa.com and will continue to transition horses through our adoption program, R.A.C.E.

At that time we will revisit year round training and notify every one by the middle of

December about the immediate future. It will depend on the inpact fee money, slots

in November, the number of dates we get for 2011, and negotiations with Fairmount.

The next open meeting will be Saturday August 14.Time and location to be announced.

**********************************************************************

July 27 Federal appeals court goes back into session (impact fee money)

************************************************************

What a great day for 118 backside workers and their families!! They spent the day at

Splash City, compliments of the H.B.P.A. Thanks to Janice and Rachel for putting the outing

together.

President John Wainwright

Owner Directors Trainer Directors

Diane LaMew Brian LaMew

Ron Rujawitz Jerry Hammond

Amy Walker Bill Duncan

John Moroney Charlie Walker

Tim Keeley Tom Trione Jr.

****************************************************************

June 7... Just read that Arlington, Hawthorne, and the I.T.H.A. will

be joining us in developing a retirement program for ex-race horses.

This will bring all three tracks and both the H.B.P.A. and I.T.H.A. together

in finding homes for our horses that can no longer compete. Our program has been very

successful and I'm sure the northern will do just as well. We are happy to report that we

transitioned 37 horses last year and we will be there for the horses again this year.

So, congratulations to the all involved in this very worthwhile endeavor.

For several years we have been working to ensure the economic viability of Fairmount Park. One way to achieve this goal is by passing Senate Bill 3146, which would allow slot machines to be installed in Illinois racetracks. This bill would ensure the viability of horse racing in our area and provide continued employment for the workers and their families who depend on Fairmount Park for their livelihood. The bill would also generate more than $100 million in licensing fees and up to $300 million in annual revenue for the state of Illinois during a time of immense economic crisis.

Through the leadership and dedication of Lanny Brooks and other racing advocates, we have developed this will that will bring this new source of revenue to help save the horse racing industry. Unfortunately, this vital legislation has not yet been called for a vote in the House of Representatives or the Senate. As a supporter of this bill, I am urging you to continue lobbying your legislators. Although the General Assembly was slated to adjourn on May 7, we have yet to reach a viable budget solution and must return to Springfield to resolve these pressing matters. There is still time before Session ends to make this bill a reality.

As always, thank you for your generous time and consideration. If there is ever anything I can do for you, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (618) 345-2176.

112^th District
**************************************************************************

The Illinois Quarter Horse Association is extremely excited about our racing opportunities in 2010. We are entitled to $250,000 annually from Advanced Deposit Wagering for our purse account.

In order for the Illinois Racing Board to release the purse money our association must contract with a thoroughbred track. Our organization needs to establish a ‘home track’. Brian Zander, President Fairmount Park, and Lanny Brooks, ILHBPA Executive Director, have always been accommodating to Quarter Horsemen and have been receptive to our past minimal racing endeavors.

It is my hope that our 2010 spring and summer racing needs would be handled by Fairmount Park.

Unfortunately politics and the lack of funding for the Illinois Racing Board threatens to reduce the approved 52 day race meet scheduled for Fairmount to only 3 days. This issue is beyond the control of Brian and Lanny. Both have been ardently working with the legislators, the staff of the Illinois Racing Board, and may even resort to legal action to resolve this issue.

During this demanding time, our membership should be actively supporting Fairmount Park. We need to demonstrate support for Brian Zander and Lanny Brooks in their efforts to resolve the issues of the racing schedule; we need to

contact our legislators and call the staff and members of the Illinois Racing Board.

The board President of IQHRA is signing this letter as an endorsement to the management of Fairmount Park.

Me and the Gov.