NEW YORK – Governor Andrew Cuomo signed legislation Monday that establishes a 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.
"New York State's racing industry is a major economic driver in the state, supporting thousands of jobs and attracting tourists from around the world," Governor Cuomo said.
He continued, "New York taxpayers and the betting public deserve a racing industry that is managed competently and does not neglect the health and safety of the horses."
The board will be in effect for three years to reorganize and restructure, after that time NYRA will revert back to a majority private control.
The current NYRA board will be dissolved once a majority of the new public directors are appointed. The new board will then begin a national search for a new CEO and General Counsel for NYRA.
The board will consist of 17 directors:
- Seven will be appointed by the governor.
- The senate and assembly will appoint two directors each.
- Five directors will be selected by the current NYRA Board.
- Breeders and Horsemen will each have an ex officio member.
- A chairperson will be nominated by the governor and subject to board approval.
The current board consists of 25 directors, with 14 elected by NYRA and 11 appointed by public officials.
"The NYRA Reorganization Board will restore public trust, accountability,
and transparency to the racing industry in our state, so New York can
continue to offer one of the most exciting, enjoyable, safe horse racing
experiences in the nation," Cuomo said.
"NYRA needed radical change. Whether it is horses dying on the track, NYRA keeping $8.5 million from fans or the self-serving $250,000 painting, NYRA needed a complete makeover. I have learned in four years on the Racing Committee, and two years as Chairman of the Committee, that racing is full of special interests that try and protect their own turf, while fans are left behind," said Senator John Bonacic, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Racing, Gaming and Wagering.
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
- Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs
The membership of the NYRA Reorganization Board will be announced in the near future.
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