NYRA Reorganization Board has first meeting

The New York Racing Association (NYRA) Reorganization Board of Directors held

its inaugural meeting in Manhattan on Wednesday, officially ushering in a new

era of leadership, accountability and transparency for the operator of three of

New York's Thoroughbred racetracks.

The Reorganization Board addressed a series of issues regarding ethics and

transparency policies, equine health and safety matters, regulatory oversight,

financial issues and proposed racing schedules.

"Today's meeting signifies a renewed focus of making New York's Thoroughbred

horse racing a model for the rest of the nation, including an emphasis on equine

health and safety," Board Chair David Skorton said. "My colleagues on the

Reorganization Board are committed to learning from each other and the public

and to working with NYRA management to better serve the horse racing industry

and its fans. As we did with today's meeting, the Board will continue to work in

an open, accountable and effective manner, as NYRA is an integral and important

part of New York's culture and part of what makes our state a national leader in

so many areas."

The Reorganization Board formally elected Cornell University President David

Skorton as Chair; approved a new mission statement with a focus on equine

safety; approved the naming of Michael Kotlikoff VMD, PhD as Special Advisor to

the Board for Equine Health and Safety; issued policies regarding political

contributions, wagering and other matters by NYRA personnel and Directors;

approved a portion of the proposed 2013 NYRA racing calendar and stakes

schedule; and heard proposals on NYRA's involvement with next year's Saratoga

150th Anniversary Celebration.

In addition, the Reorganization Board, approved a proposal that NYRA will

conduct business subject to compliance with the New York's Open Meetings Law and

Freedom of Information Law. NYRA's Law Department was instructed to make trade

secret declarations under FOIL.

The Reorganization Board also undertook a series of ethics and compliance

matters, including:

The Board also:

All materials discussed and reviewed during the Reorganization Board's first

meeting, including a list of Board members, bylaws, ethics measures, full

committee memberships and more are available at

www.nyra.com/boardmeetings/index.shtml.

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