On Friday, members of the New York Assembly Horse Racing and Gaming Committee convened early to listen to representatives from the racing and production sectors during a four-hour public hearing in Albany. The discussion centered on the challenges facing New York horse racing, with participants from the New York Racing Association, Thoroughbred and Standardbred horse owners, breeders, officials, and historic horse salesmen sharing their mixed views of accomplishments and concerns.
Key issues highlighted included competition from computer-based gambling, a decline in foal production, financial difficulties, limited racing schedules, short tracks, regulatory burdens from the Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Authority, and licensing complications for owners. The hearing, chaired by Representative Carrie Warner of Saratoga Springs, drew a substantial crowd comparable to that at Aqueduct race track.
A major point of contention was Kentucky’s success driven by historical horse racing (HHR) machines, which has enabled significant reinvestment into its racing facilities and has made it challenging for New York to retain its horses and talent. Joseph McMahon, a New York production executive, lamented that Kentucky jockeys only come to New York for the lucrative Saratoga meet and don’t participate at Aqueduct, reversing old regional dynamics.
Tina Marie Bond, president of the New York Thoroughbred Jockeys Association, voiced worries over NYRA’s plans to reduce racing dates when the new Belmont Park reopens next September. She cited a 15% drop in race dates over seven years and warned that further cuts could drive some trainers out of business. Bond acknowledged the 18% decline in New York’s foal production but stressed efforts to reverse the trend. She also noted that many NYTHA initiatives to improve stakes schedules, incentivize jockeys, and promote the sport have been ignored by NYRA and other industry stakeholders.
Representing NYRA, Jeffrey Cannizzo and Andrew Offerman highlighted Belmont Park’s redevelopment as a world-class sports and entertainment destination, underscored the economic impact of horse racing and breeding, and showcased improved television exposure on FOX Sports. Their main proposal was backing a bill by Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. to introduce fixed-odds horse racing betting via mobile sports betting platforms, which is projected to generate $30 million annually in state taxes and boost revenues for the racing community while attracting sports gamblers.
Joseph McMahon emphasized that the sustainability of the horse racing industry is vital to maintaining breeding farms and preserving the land used for horse breeding in New York. He described the tough choices faced by landowners in Saratoga County who must decide whether to develop or preserve valuable real estate for breeding purposes.
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Fan Take: This hearing shines a crucial light on the struggles and resilience within New York horse racing, highlighting how external competition and internal challenges shape the sport’s future. For horse racing fans, the prospect of expanded mobile betting and a revitalized Belmont Park offers hope for growth, but the industry must also address the decline in foal production and racing opportunities to keep the sport thriving.
