Albany ups power play; State, Legislature, NYRA announce mgmt. deal

[MaTH716]

This is question that just popped into my mind (sorry if it sounds foolish):

Obviously now that there is a TC at stake and huge amounts of money on the line as far as handle/attendance an so on, plus national (even world wide) exposure, is there any chance of seeing a power play made by either side? We all know that Albany is trying to turn the screws on NYRA, could they try to use the Belmont as some sort of leverage? Also with all media attention that the Belmont is going to get, wouldn't this be a good time for NYRA to launch a counter attack?

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by MaTH716

This is question that just popped into my mind (sorry if it sounds foolish):

Obviously now that there is a TC at stake and huge amounts of money on the line as far as handle/attendance an so on, plus national (even world wide) exposure, is there any chance of seeing a power play made by either side? We all know that Albany is trying to turn the screws on NYRA, could they try to use the Belmont as some sort of leverage? Also with all media attention that the Belmont is going to get, wouldn't this be a good time for NYRA to launch a counter attack?

Does Cuomo show up for the trophy presentation?

[jms62]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

Does Cuomo show up for the trophy presentation?

Damn i was going to post the exact same thing. Will he show up with his girlfriend

[NTamm1215]

I can guarantee that I won't be the only person in the crowd booing him as soon as they show him on any in-house feed.

I posted this at another site:


"Given the political turmoil, does he (Gov. Cuomo) make an appearance at the Belmont as other Govs. have in the past? Does he use the opportunity to slam NYRA some more publically?

Also, it'll be interesting to see how much of the "drama" is covered by the national media, if any, in the days leading up to what figures to be a huge day for NY racing."

[jinjin]

Cuomo wasn"t there last year so I would expect the same.

[pointman]

Originally Posted by jinjin

Cuomo wasn"t there last year so I would expect the same.

I would be shocked if a man with Cuomo's ambitions would pass up the opportunity to be on NBC in front of a huge audience with a Triple Crown on the line.

[Travis Stone]

Overhaul announcement looming...

http://www.timesunion.com/local/arti...al-3576481.php

[pointman]

Originally Posted by Travis Stone

Overhaul announcement looming...

http://www.timesunion.com/local/arti...al-3576481.php

Nothing good can come out of government control. This looks scary for NY racing. Nothing like jumping to conclusions before the investigation is completed.

[Kasept]

CUOMO, LEGISLATIVE LEADERS, NYRA ANNOUNCE AGREEMENT TO ESTABLISH NYRA REORGANIZATION BOARD

Public Control for 3 Year Period to Improve Horse Racing in New York State; New Board to Conduct National Search for Executive Leadership

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, and the New York Racing Association (NYRA) today announced an agreement to establish the NYRA Reorganization Board that will place NYRA under temporary public control in order to reform the association and transform oversight and management of horse racing in New York State.

"As the upcoming Belmont Stakes shows, the racing industry is a vital part of New York State's culture and economy, attracting millions of dollars in tourism revenue from across the nation and supporting thousands of jobs," Governor Cuomo said. "With the structure of the gaming industry changing here in New York, the state also needs to take a new approach to how it manages and governs racing. New Yorkers can be assured that the NYRA Reorganization Board will act in the interests of the members of the public who enjoy horse racing, the taxpayers who support it, and the horses themselves, to make racing in our state the strongest, safest and most enjoyable in the country."

Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos said, "The NYRA Reorganization Board will put in place new leadership to ensure that bettors and taxpayers are treated fairly and honestly. We will continue working together with the Governor and NYRA so New York State remains a leading home for horse racing."

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said, "New York's horse racing industry supports jobs and local economies all across the state. It is important to maintain the integrity of the sport so that those who come out to enjoy these events are not shortchanged or treated unfairly. By working together with the NYRA leadership and the Governor, we will make sure that racing in New York State continues to be a leading economic driver and tourist attraction that is enjoyed by people from across the nation each year."

NYRA Board Chair Steven Duncker said, "I want to express my appreciation to the Governor for his commitment to a world class horse racing industry in New York. The NYRA Reorganization Board will help ensure that racing in New York has a strong and stable future as the gaming and racing industry evolves. I thank the members of the current NYRA Board for supporting the changes announced today and together we will work to ensure a smooth transition and bright future for New York racing."

NYRA Board Member John Hendrickson said, "The bettors, fans, public, and government deserve trust in their racing. This resolution is a necessary first step. I am encouraged that racing will now receive enthusiastic commitments from Albany. Governor Cuomo is to be commended for his vocal support of racing, and for bringing all parties together for a positive resolution."

Barry Ostrager, President of the New York Thoroughbred Breeders, said "It is a great comfort to the New York thoroughbred breeders to know that Governor Cuomo has reaffirmed the State's commitment to support the New York breeding program and to protect and expand the number of jobs that have recently been created by our revivified industry."

NYRA Board Member and NY Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association President Rick Violette Jr. said,"The New York Racing Association today announced the reconfiguration of their Board of Directors. We are excited we have a Governor who has announced he will champion our industry. New York's Thoroughbred horsemen are willing to work hand in hand with the new Board and the Governor's office to ensure we have a robust industry that continues to provide the very best racing in the country."

The NYRA Reorganization Board will be comprised of a majority of publicly appointed directors, with a Chair nominated by the Governor. The Board will be in effect for 3 years to restructure and reorganize NYRA, following which NYRA will revert back to majority private control. The current NYRA Board will be dissolved. The NYRA Reorganization Board will go into effect when a majority of the new public directors are appointed. Once appointed, the new board will conduct a national search for a new CEO and General Counsel for NYRA.

The NYRA Reorganization Board will consist of 17 directors. Seven will be appointed by the Governor. The Senate and Assembly will appoint two directors each and five directors will be selected by the current NYRA Board. Breeders and Horsemen will each have an ex officio member. Additionally, a chairperson will be nominated by the Governor subject to Board approval. The current board is 25 directors, with 14 elected by NYRA and 11 appointed by public officials.

The agreement will require legislation to implement which both leaders have agreed to support.

NYRA is a not-for-profit corporation that is responsible for the operation of the three largest horse-racing tracks in New York: Aqueduct Racetrack in South Ozone Park, Queens; Belmont Park in Elmont, Long Island; and Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs.

[OTM Al]

Sheldon Silver involved in transparency and reform? Seriously? This is the guy who refuses to disclose the relationships he has with business that the State does business with.

[pointman]

Originally Posted by OTM Al

Sheldon Silver involved in transparency and reform? Seriously? This is the guy who refuses to disclose the relationships he has with business that the State does business with.

I was thinking the same thing. Nothing that comes out of that rat's mouth is the truth. Sooner or later the feds have to lock up that criminal.

[OTM Al]

Originally Posted by pointman

I was thinking the same thing. Nothing that comes out of that rat's mouth is the truth. Sooner or later the feds have to lock up that criminal.

The bad part is that now they are willingly allowing the State to alter the franchise agreement. Why that matters is that the franchise agreement allowed State development at Aqueduct and Belmont, but not in the racing areas. Guess what goes out the door next. State had already violated 2 provisions of the agreement, possibly 3.

[pointman]

Originally Posted by OTM Al

The bad part is that now they are willingly allowing the State to alter the franchise agreement. Why that matters is that the franchise agreement allowed State development at Aqueduct and Belmont, but not in the racing areas. Guess what goes out the door next. State had already violated 2 provisions of the agreement, possibly 3.

It is like the State is playing Russian Roulette with NYRA and handing NYRA a gun with all chambers filled with live bullets.

[OTM Al]

Originally Posted by pointman

It is like the State is playing Russian Roulette with NYRA and handing NYRA a gun with all chambers filled with live bullets.

And then pulling out another gun and shooting them.

[Gaelic Storm]

This will mean an end to racing at Aqueduct. It will be interesting once the governor gets the slots and table games approved and no more need for VLT's what will happen to NY racing then?

[Grey Lag]

Originally Posted by Gaelic Storm

This will mean an end to racing at Aqueduct. It will be interesting once the governor gets the slots and table games approved and no more need for VLT's what will happen to NY racing then?

I agree, and with Aqueduct would go winter racing. I don't see the state shelling out the money to winterize Belmont.

[Gaelic Storm]

Originally Posted by Grey Lag

I agree, and with Aqueduct would go winter racing. I don't see the state shelling out the money to winterize Belmont.

That will also have a huge impact on the NY Breeding program.

[hud8118]

"NYRA desperately needs a major overhaul," said state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, whose auditors uncovered the takeout overcharges. "Reorganizing the board is a step in the right direction."

I thought it was a horse player, not the auditors, who uncovered the failure to cut back the 1%. If so, just another example of the state pols trying to mislead and take credit for something they didn't do - or am I wrong on this?

Read more: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-raci...#ixzz1veoOoUSG

Semantics. The horseplayer who uncovered it did not have any way of taking corrective action. He thought "pointing it out" to NYRA would be enough. The NYS Dept. of Audit and Control was the REGULATORY governmental agency that actually brought the error to light, and caused the snowball to start rolling downhill.

I don't think the state deserves any "credit" for this at all. The NY State Racing and Wagering Board, the Franchise Oversight Board, and the NY State Dept. of Taxation and Finance all failed miserably in protecting the wagering public's interest in what went on here (not to mention NYRA's own auditors). Audit and Control at least saved their face somewhat.