NEWS
Boycott forces Aqueduct to cancel first race on Sunday
Posted: Sunday, March 21, 2010 1:44 PM
by Mike Curry
Aqueduct was forced to cancel Sunday’s opening race when the six horses entered did not arrive at the security barn by the 8 a.m. deadline. Each of the six horses was scratched.
The cancellation of the first race was caused by a boycott organized by New York horsemen, who have become increasingly frustrated by the state’s failure to finalize an operator for Aqueduct’s video-lottery terminal facility.
The boycott coincided with a planned rally by state horsemen and breeders on Sunday at Belmont Park.
“We apologize to our fans and horseplayers for any disappointment or inconvenience the cancellation of today's first race might have caused,” Rick Violette, president of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA), said in a statement on behalf of New York horsemen. “There is a rally at Belmont Park today sponsored by the NYTHA and the New York Thoroughbred Breeders concerning the very survival of the Thoroughbred industry in New York State—its 35,000 jobs and $2.4-billion dollars in revenue. We felt this rally deserved our undivided attention.
“We hope today's gathering will underscore the frustration the horsemen, the breeders, and the communities that surround and support the racetracks and farms throughout the state are feeling from the nine years of broken promises and inaction from our leaders in Albany. Frankly, enough is enough. Thank you for your understanding, your support, and patience.”
Racing resumed at Aqueduct with the second race.
Gov. David Paterson announced the selection of Aqueduct Entertainment Group (AEG) on January 29 to operate Aqueduct’s video-lottery facility. The decision was met by charges of political favoritism that led to an investigation into the gaming selection process.
Paterson on March 11 announced withdrawal of his support for AEG to run the racino, which is slated to get 4,500 video-lottery terminals.
The facility would give the New York Racing Association (NYRA) the funds needed to boost purses and make much-needed capital improvements. Without it, NYRA’s ability to continue racing might be in doubt.
Mike Curry is a Thoroughbred Times TODAY editor
