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Last updated 11:43 am CT September 02, 2010.
No Funding for World Trotting Derby
Since 1981, on Labor Day weekend, all eyes in the horse racing world have turned to Du Quoin for the World Trotting Derby.
That likely won’t be the case this year. Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn's budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2011 eliminates funding for the race.
The State of Illinois will no longer pony up the $450,000 it’s traditionally paid to the winner of the race which is a
favorite of fair goers and a prestigious event in the world of harness racing.
"All the eyes in the world are on Du Quoin Illinois because this race is of such not only national but international importance as well," said Jim Hannon, general manager of Pari-Mutuel Horse Racing, which puts on the race.
The clay track at the fairgrounds is one of the fastest in the world making winning the Derby a feather in the cap of horse breeders.
“The best horses in the world [go to Du Quoin] to set lifetime marks, and once they establish those lifetime marks that goes on their breeding line and it could increase their breeding net worth,” Hannon said.
What's a disappointment for the racing world is a must for a state near fiscal ruin.
Illinois Department of Agriculture spokesman Jeff Squibb said he’s fully aware of the tradition associated with the track. He said cancelling the race, “Turns our stomachs quite honestly.”
With the state billions of dollars in debt, though, Squibb said the derby is a frill Illinois just can't afford.
Fair Director John Rednour understands.
"It was a logical choice for what we were doing here to try to keep the fair going and still provide great entertainment," he said.
The proposed budget still includes approximately $4 million to put on the Du Quoin State Fair. There will still be horse races, although it's not clear how many.
"I think we have enough good quality Illinois-bred horses, and we'll still have some decent purses, [so] we'll still have a great crowd for that day," Rednour said.
While the absence of the premier race may translate to fewer out-of-state visitors, Rednour still expects the economic boom the fair usually brings to the region.
And he's leaving up signs that tout the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds as “Home of the World Trotting Derby,” hoping one day funding will be restored.
By Dana Jay
djay@wsiltv.com
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