In a long feature story by reporter Marcia Martinez, The State Journal-Register in Springfield, Illinois, has chronicled a steady outflow of harness racing talent from
the state.
Most prominently featured in the story is trainer Erv Miller, who relocated his family from Sherman near Springfield to New Jersey. His brother, Andy, and wife, Julie, as well as drivers Tony Morgan and Tim Tetrick are among others that have left.
Pat Berry, Brent Holland, Tyler Buter and Brandon Simpson are also named in the story. Purse money, flowing from slots, is the primary reason for the moves.
Illinois, without slots and strapped for money, did not pay its 2009 purses from the state fair meeting at Springfield until late this spring.
Springfield’s Grand Circuit meeting, once a shining stop on the circuit, drew 398 horses this year compared to 507 a year ago. Miller, who used to race 45 horses at Springfield, says he will race only 20 or 25 this year. He said slots at Balmoral south of Chicago would keep money in Illinois rather than flowing to riverboats and racinos in Indiana.
To view some of the non-racing highlights at the upcoming state fair, click here.
(With files from Harness Tracks of America)