Silver, Pretlow Applaud NYRA Agreement

Legislation Secures Future Of State's Horse Racing Industry

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver says the NYRA legislation approved by the Assembly will strengthen the state’s thoroughbred horse racing industry, raise revenues and determine once and for all that the state owns the three major flat tracks. (Click here for video)

"Assemblyman Gary Pretlow and I have remained committed since last summer to bring about a sensible and fiscally sound agreement on the future of thoroughbred and harness racing that provides for greater accountability and transparency and firmly establishes state ownership of Aqueduct, Belmont and Saratoga. This legislation transforms NYRA and provides vital support and necessary oversight of an industry that is an important part of local economies throughout New York State," said Silver.

"The actions we are taking today will ensure the future of the racing industry in New York State. I am pleased that the long negotiations allowed all sides to work out the finer points and bring forward legislation which will make New York's racing industry operations more open, transparent and accountable. The agreement reached today protects the industry, labor and the more than 40,000 employees across the state. This newly-reconstructed board successfully brings all of the stakeholders to the table," said Pretlow.

The legislation (A.9998 / S.6950) authorizes NYRA to continue to operate the Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park, and Saratoga Race Course and the Legislature's 2001 approval of video lottery terminals (VLT's) at Aqueduct will finally become a reality.

Speaker Silver said the bill addresses a number of key points the Assembly set out to resolve throughout the negotiations, including a recognition of the important financial contributions harness tracks make to localities. The measure also will allow more of the revenue generated at VLT venues to be used for marketing and capital improvements which will boost local communities and increase state revenues.