Temporary Board To Reform Racing Org.
The New York Racing Association (NYRA)-which operates Aqueduct Racetrack in South Ozone Park and Belmont Park on the Queens/Nassau border-will be under temporary public control in an effort to reform the racing outfit through a plan agreed upon by state lawmakers and the current NYRA board on Tuesday, May 22.
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, and the NYRA announced an agreement to establish the NYRA Reorganization Board that will place NYRA under temporary public control in order to overhaul the association and transform oversight and management of horse racing in the 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,” 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.”
“The NYRA Reorganization Board will put in place new leader- ship to ensure that bettors and taxpayers are treated fairly and honestly,” added Skelos. “We will continue working together with the governor and NYRA so New York State remains a leading home for horse racing.”
“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,” Silver said. “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.”
“I want to express my apprecia- tion to the governor for his commitment to a world class horse racing industry in New York,” added current NYRA Board Chairman Steven Duncker. “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.”
As announced, 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 three 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.
The NYRA is a not-for-profit corporation that is responsible for the operation of the three largest horseracing tracks in New York: Aqueduct, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course in upstate Saratoga Springs.
