Cuomo, New York leaders announces NYRA reorganization

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, Assembly

Speaker Sheldon Silver, and the New York Racing Association (NYRA) on Tuesday

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."

"The NYRA Reorganization Board will put in place new leadership to ensure

that bettors and taxpayers are treated fairly and honestly," Senate Majority

Leader Dean Skelos said. "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," Assembly Speaker Sheldon 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 appreciation to the Governor for his commitment to a

world class horse racing industry in New York," NYRA Board Chair Steven Duncker

said. "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."

"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," said Barry Ostrager, President of the

New York Thoroughbred Breeders.

"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," NYRA Board Member and New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's

Association President Rick Violette Jr. said. "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 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.