Arlington Park and the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (ITHA) remain bitterly deadlocked over months-long contract negotiations for the now-delayed 2020 meet. ... Separately, another rift is brewing that threatens the longer-term status of racing in the Chicago area for 2020: Management at Hawthorne Race Course asked the IRB to establish a “working equalization group” to possibly modify the rest of this year’s race dates and simulcast hosting status, which is a chief revenue source for purses. Arlington officials told the IRB they are not opposed to engaging in informal discussions with Hawthorne, but balked at having negotiations mandated.