§ 49

The General Assembly declares that it is the policy of this State to foster the running of the Hambletonian Stakes in Illinois. Should the Hambletonian stakes no longer be run in Illinois then it is the policy of the State to foster a race or races at the DuQuoin State Fair, the Illinois State Fair, and the Illinois county fairs for the benefit of the harness horse racing industry. In order to further this policy, the Board shall keep a record of the moneys deposited in the Agricultural Premium Fund which are derived from the third and fourth races conducted on each Friday and Saturday during each harness racing meeting licensed under this Act, provided that each such Friday and Saturday program has at least 11 races. Each year, from the moneys in the Agricultural Premium Fund provided from such races, an appropriation shall be made to the Department of Agriculture to be used to supplement the purses offered for, and for other expenses in connection with, the Hambletonian Stakes or other harness races as authorized in this Section.

Legislative History

(Source: P.A. 86-1458.)