New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer will recommend to the state legislature that the
New York Racing Association (NYRA) be awarded the state’s racing franchise to
operate Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course. In addition,
he will recommend that a separate franchise be awarded to an experienced gaming
operator to run as many as 4,500 video lottery terminals (VLT) at Aqueduct. The
recommendation of a VLT operator will be made within 60 days.
“Thoroughbred racing is a vital state industry, providing tens of thousands
of jobs to breeders, horsemen and workers who are directly employed at New
York’s three Thoroughbred tracks,” Spitzer said in a release. “Following my
investigations a few years ago, a new leadership team at NYRA has turned the
organization around to the point where it is demonstrating real results and true
transparency. The strong performance of racing this season is a testament to how
far NYRA has come in the last few years and this agreement ensures that racing
in New York State will be operated by experienced management.”
The recommendation to award two separate franchises — one for racing and one
for the gaming operation — follows an extensive review of proposals from three
other groups that were seeking the racing and gambling franchise.
“After careful consideration, I concluded that a reconstituted NYRA is the
best entity to operate Thoroughbred racing in New York State,” Spitzer
continued. “The state, in consultation with NYRA, will choose an experienced
gaming operator to operate the VLT franchise at Aqueduct. This will ensure that
we have the best possible operator for both the racing and the gaming
franchise.”
The new franchises are scheduled to begin on January 1, 2008.
NYRA Chairman C. Steven Duncker said: “Governor Spitzer’s support is a
testament to the efforts undertaken by NYRA to become the racing industry leader
in integrity and corporate governance. NYRA remains committed to continuing this
effort while at the same time retaining its position as the producer of the best
racing product in North America, as exhibited by the recently concluded Saratoga
race meet. NYRA looks forward to working with the Governor and the legislature
to achieve the timely implementation of the necessary legislation, and to
ensuring the uninterrupted conduct of world class Thoroughbred racing.”
Also on Tuesday, NYRA’s board of directors approved a memorandum of
understanding outlining the major terms of the 30-year agreement between NYRA
and the state that will enable the 52-year-old, non-profit entity to emerge from
bankruptcy and modify its governance structure.
The terms specify that:
The NYRA board will be downsized from its current makeup of 28 members to 19,
and include the direct appointment of two members by the governor, one by the
Assembly Speaker, one by the Senate Majority Leader, and one each by
organizations representing Thoroughbred breeders and horsemen;
Funds derived from VLTs be dedicated to: improving racing facilities at
Aqueduct, Belmont Park and Saratoga; funding deficits from ongoing track
operations, to increasing racing purses at the three racing facilities and to
create a fund for New York State breeders;
Thoroughbred racing will continue at Aqueduct along with a VLT facility; the
historic character of Saratoga will be preserved; and any future development at
Belmont Park will be required to be consistent with its status as one of the
premier Thoroughbred racing venues in the world; and
NYRA relinquishes any claims it may have to ownership rights of the tracks
and facilities.