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Shut-Down Approved for NYCOTB

The New York City Off-Track Betting Corp. board of directors Dec. 1 approved a resolution to shut down the betting giant, affecting 1,000 workers and leaving an uncertain future.

Live Racing At Aqueduct Canceled Dec. 1

The first day of racing on Aqueduct's inner track that ushers in the winter meet has been delayed after the New York Racing Association announced live racing would be canceled Wednesday, Dec. 1.

NY Senate Walks; NYCOTB May Shut Down

State legislators failed to pass a plan Nov. 29 to reorganize the New York City Off-Track Betting Corp. The Assembly could pass the measure but state senators have left town. NYCOTB is expected to issue pink slips.

NYRA Schedules 'Spirit of Giving' Weekend

The New York Racing Association, Inc.'s annual "Spirit of Giving" weekend is scheduled for Dec. 4-5 at Aqueduct Racetrack, featuring the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign and the "Stocking Stuffer" promotion.

Veteran Racing Publicist Steven Schwartz Dies

Longtime horse racing publicist Steven Schwartz died the morning of Nov. 20 at Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune following complications from surgery. He was 64.

Tentative ADW Deal Reached in New York

A tentative deal has been reached to let the New York Racing Association and other tracks take over the advanced deposit wagering system now run by the giant New York City Off-Track Betting Corp.

Battle Lines Drawn in NYCOTB Reorganization

Officials said they are close to a deal to try to bring New York City Off-Track Betting Corp. out of bankruptcy protection, but that a final agreement is being blocked by several harness tracks in the state.

Handle, Attendance Up on NYRA's Gold Cup Day

The on-track handle and attendance easily eclipsed last year's numbers Oct. 2 at Belmont Park for a card that included the $750,000 Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes (gr. I), which was won by Haynesfield.

Guaranteed Grade I Pick 4 at Belmont Oct. 2

The New York Racing Association has announced a special "$500,000 Guaranteed All Grade I Pick 4" on the Belmont Park race card for Saturday, Oct. 2.

Aqueduct Casino Work to Begin Soon

Genting New York officials, after turning over $380 million in licensing fee payments to the state, said they are prepared to quickly start construction on the Aqueduct casino project.

Belmont to Increase Purses

Starting with the card on Saturday, Sept. 25, the New York Racing Association will increase purses at Belmont Park's fall championship meet by approximately 13%.

Saratoga Meet Declared a Success

Handle and attendance decline at Saratoga but surpass projections and industry trends.

NYRA Releases 30-Day Comparisons for Spa

On-track attendance at Saratoga has declined 5.3% and on-track wagering is down 6% for the first 30 days of the current meet, when compared with the comparable 30 days a year ago.

Handle, Attendance Rise for Travers Stakes

The attendance increased 33.7% from a year ago to 45,764.

NYCOTB Could Shed About $100 Million in Debt

Seven creditors are negotiating to clear the slate on nearly $100 million in debt owned by the New York Off-Track Betting Corp.

Total Saratoga Handle Close to 2009 Figure

Total wagering remained close to last year's comparable figure while attendance and ontrack handle inched upward despite two rainy days through the fourth full week of racing at Saratoga.

Round Table Sounds Optimism, Cooperation

Participants in The Jockey Club Round Table Aug. 22 in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., sought to convey optimism and opportunity in the face of declines in many facets of the Thoroughbred industry.

NYRA Offers Travers Prize Package

The New York Racing Association is offering a Travers Stakes Prize Package, which includes two tickets to the Travers Stakes (gr. I) August 28, two airline tickets, and two nights' accommodation in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

Aqueduct Casino Gets Green Light

After nine years of on-again, off-again movement, the Aqueduct casino project now seems all but certain to be a done deal.

NYRA Suspends Stakes, Cuts Purses for Others

The New York Racing Association has suspended nine stakes and reduced purses for 12 others during its fall meets at Belmont Park and Aqueduct.

Document Outlines Suggestions for NYCOTB

A group of creditors involved in the NYCOTB bankruptcy proceeding has suggested a number of changes, including a 1% surcharge on wagers, according to a June document.

On-Track Wagering Stable at Belmont Park Meet

On-track wagering was stable and overall handle declined slightly during the 57-day Belmont Park meet that concluded July 18.

NY Stewards to Provide Race-Day Explanations

Starting July 23 at Saratoga and continuing at Belmont Park and Aqueduct, the stewards' race-day decisions involving the official order of finish will be communicated via the simulcast feed and will also be posted to NYRA.com

NYRA Among Groups Trying To Take Over OTB

A number of groups, including the New York Racing Association, have approached state officials about taking over all or part of the New York City Off-Track Betting Corp.

NYRA Expands In-House Drug Testing

The New York Racing Association announced plans July 14 to expand and enhance its in-house drug testing program in order to detect illegal performance-enhancing substances in Thoroughbred race horses.

New York's 3-Legged Stool Has Collapsed

It's time for well-run, publicly-listed businesses to be allowed the opportunity to buy the NYRA tracks.

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Racing, Other Activities at Spa Open House

Three jump races and one turf race will be presented by the National Steeplechase Association during the 30th annual open house at Saratoga Race Course from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 18.

Report: NYRA Could be Insolvent by 2011

A report by the state comptroller took the New York Racing Association to task for failing to rein in spending and says NYRA faces insolvency if revenues from a racino fail to materialize and expenses are not curtailed.

Jockey, Barbaro-Related Events Fund Research

A jockey autograph session hosted at Belmont Park June 26 raised $1,000 that will be shared equally by the Barbaro Fund for Equine Health and Safety Research and the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund.

New York to Add 'Uncoupled' Wagering Rule

New York's new uncoupled wagering rule will be in place before the start of the upcoming Saratoga racing meet, the state's top industry regulator said June 25, and should be a boost for track handle.

Lobbyist Given Info on Other Aqueduct Bidders

A politically-wired lobbyist for a bidding group that initially won the development rights to the Aqueduct casino project was provided details about competitors' bids by the top Democrat in the New York state Senate.

Lakow Leaving Hill 'n' Dale

Mike Lakow, general manager of John Sikura's Hill 'n' Dale Farms, is leaving his position to pursue his own career in racing.

Migliore Hangs 'Em Up

Veteran jockey Richard Migliore announced his retirement from the saddle the morning of June 2 at a press conference at the Garden Terrace at Belmont Park.

Guaranteed Pick 6, Pick 4 on Belmont Card

The New York Racing Association has announced it will offer a $1 million guaranteed "All Graded Stakes Pick 4" and a $1 million guaranteed "All Graded Stakes Pick 6" on Belmont Stakes Day June 5.

Betfair TVG to Sponsor Triple Tiara

NYRA has announced a partnership with Betfair TVG that includes the creation of the Betfair TVG Triple Tiara, comprising the Betfair TVG Acorn, the Betfair TVG Coaching Club American Oaks, and the Betfair TVG Alabama.

Ram Trucks in Sponsorship Deal With NYRA

The New York Racing Association announced May 27 that the Ram Truck brand has entered into a sponsorship deal for the week of the June 5 Belmont Stakes (gr. I).

New York Lawmakers Approve NYRA Loan

New York State lawmakers on May 24 approved a $25 million loan for the New York Racing Association, keeping the racetrack operator solvent for at least the rest of the year and avoiding a shutdown of its operations.

State Proposes $25 Million Loan for NYRA

A $25-million loan proposal could keep the New York Racing Association operating through the spring of 2011.

NYRA Sends Out Letters of Possible Layoffs

NYRA is required under the Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act that they to have to send out two-month advance word to employees of possible layoffs

Paterson Says NYRA Will Get State Bailout

State officials in New York have agreed on one point: that they will not let the New York Racing Association shut down after the Belmont Stakes (gr. I) or for the Saratoga summer meet.

State Won't Lend NYRA $17 Million

Legal restrictions foil proposal to keep NYRA solvent through the current year. NYRA says state is behind on payments they promised to make.

Breeders to Seek $17M for NYRA With Lawsuit

A group of about 10 Thoroughbred breeding farms and the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce next week will sue the state of New York to try to force it to loan $17 million to the New York Racing Association.

NYRA Appoints Wait to Board of Directors

The New York Racing Association announced May 3 that Charles V. Wait has been appointed by NYRA to its board of directors, replacing Lucy Young Hamilton.

NYRA Board Presented Doomsday Scenario

The New York Racing Association could run out of cash before July 1 under a doomsday scenario provided to its board of directors.

NYRA Seeks State Loan; NYOTB Cuts Staff

NYRA may get a $17 million loan to help its cash crunch. Meanwhile, New York Off-Track Betting on April 23 cut 35 employees from his staff as it works through bankruptcy reorganization.

New York OTBs Avoid April 18 Shutdown

Seeking to avoid a "profound" impact on the state's racing industry, New York City Off-Track Betting Corp. will not shut down April 18 as planned.

NYRA: BC Needs Belmont, Rotation of Tracks

New York Racing Association officials have asked Breeders' Cup to consider Belmont Park has the 2011 host site for the World Championships, and also said a three- or four-track rotation best serves the event.

NYCOTB Bailout Deal Goes Up in Smoke

An effort to bail out New York City Off-Track Betting Corp. collapsed April 14, leaving uncertainty over whether the betting giant will have to close its doors the weekend of April 17.

Lawmakers Working on NYCOTB Deal

Negotiators are closing in on a deal to keep the money-losing New York City Off-Track Betting Corp. alive for another year, but last-minute sticking points have been jamming up a final agreement the past 24 hours.

NYTB Honors 2009 Divisional Champions

The NYTB honored its 2009 state-bred champions at its annual awards banquet April 12. Multiple winners were Haynesfield, Banrock, and Canadian Ballet. Funny Cide was honored as the Horse of the Decade.