Section 205.140  Notice to and Acceptance by Applicants

a)         The Board shall, within 5 days after the date its formal order is executed:

1)         Send each applicant a copy of that executed order awarding racing dates by certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to the applicant at the address stated in its application;

2)         Issue letters of acceptance to successful applicants for racing dates no later than 5 days after the date of execution of its formal order.  Each applicant shall submit signed acceptance letters to the Board by certified mail, return receipt requested, or by personal delivery at the central office of the Board.  Applicants shall furnish signed acceptance letters, together with required fees, to the Board no later than 10 days after receipt of the Board's executed Dates Order.  Acceptance letters, mailed or delivered, shall be received at the central office of the Board on or before the expiration of the 10 day limit.  Acceptance of dates pursuant to this Section shall not abridge an applicant's right to appeal.

b)         In the event an applicant does not submit a signed acceptance letter and/or the required fees in the manner and within the 10 day limit stated in subsection (a)(2) of this Section, the Board may conduct an emergency hearing, as provided in Section 205.150, and may re-award racing dates previously awarded to the applicant.  The Board may exercise its discretion not to re-award dates when to do so would not be in the best interest of the sport, industry and/or State of Illinois (instances include, but are not limited to, conflicting meets, failure to maximize State revenue, shortage of horses, inadequate facilities or officials, lack of character or financial fitness of the applicant and inadequate promotional budget).

(Source:  Amended at 29 Ill. Reg. 20033, effective November 28, 2005)