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 New York 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.