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Horsemen Discuss Groom, Exercise Rider Requests Take Up Matter With Illinois Racing Board; Demands Listed HAWTHORNE, Cicero, 111., May 20. A group of horsemen, some representing the Horsemens Benevolent and Protective Association and some independent, met with the Illinois Racing Board here this morning to consider and discuss requests made, for changes in working conditions by grooms and exercise boys. Previously, the grooms and exercise boys presented these conditions and discussed them with the Illinois Racing Board. No conclusions were reached, but it is expected that within the next week or 10 days representatives of both groups will meet with the Illinois Racing Board at the board rooms at an open meeting. Due notice will be given to the press and all parties interested, according to Ednyfed H. Williams, chairman of the Illinois Racing Board. The Exercise Riders and Grooms Association made the following demands: 1. Foremen 00 per month. Present salary range 00 to 75 per month. 2. Grooms a vGrooms with licenses two years and over, 50 per month. Present minimum 5 a week. Present work week is seven days 4:30 a. m. until work is completed at times as late as 8 p. m.. b Grooms with licenses less than two years 00 per month. Present salary range 0 to 5 per week. Continued on Page Twenty-Four Horsemen Discuss Requests Of Grooms, Exercise Riders Continued from Page One Grooms to take care of maximum of three horses. 3. Hot walkers 50 per month. Present salary for each horse walked-aver-age to per day. 4. Exercise boys. a 00 per month. b Apprentices 00 per month. Work maximum of three horses and walk three horses, or exercise six and walk none. c Outside mounts per mount for exercising, per mount for schooling. 5. All employes must meet the age requirements for licensing by State of Illinois. Workmens compensation and other insurance to be provided for in accordance with State of Illinois laws. Horsemens Benevolent and Protective Association to cooperate with Exercise Riders and Grooms Association in petitioning the track to provide badges for wives of all members, same as present policy in regard to owners, jockeys and trainers.
