NEWS

Industry News

Most Popular Stories

Most E-mailed Stories

New York group looks to protect racing interests

Posted: Tuesday, February 07, 2012 10:30 AM

A new industry alliance in New York hopes to assure that if gambling is expanded in the state that any new players will continue to contribute to the state’s horse racing and breeding.

The New York Horse Racing and Agriculture Industry alliance said on Tuesday in a release that its mission is to secure support and protection for racing and agriculture in any amendment to New York’s constitution to allow for full-scale casinos. The group said it is the first time that horsemen, breeders, farmers, and agricultural industry representatives have been brought together in the state.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has suggested that true table games, staffed with people, could be added in the state. Currently, racinos allow video lottery terminals and electronic table games.

The new alliance points out that with any changes, horse racing and breeding should continue to receive support because it is responsible for 40,000 jobs in the state.

“While we study new ways to stimulate the economy in our state, it is vitally important that we weigh each decision to make sure that we continue to preserve and protect industries that already support tens of thousands of jobs,” said Dean Norton, president of New York Farm Bureau. “The equine industry that includes farmers and breeders is a perfect example. Any move toward full-scale casino gambling must include specific provisions that will continue the state’s long-standing policy of using such revenues to support New York Racing and Agriculture. This is a case where it is very important to look closely before we leap.”

Members of the alliance, an informal, informational alliance of existing groups and organizations with similar interests, goals, and messages, will request no dues and does not intend to expend independent funds.

“The first topic to come up in most discussions of the gaming and racing industry is jobs,” said Jeffrey Cannizzo, executive director of New York Thoroughbred Breeders Inc. “The fact is, the vast majority of the work force in gaming and racing comes directly or indirectly from the equine industry. The associations joining forces in this alliance represent a bloc of tax-paying workers 40,000 strong, who are employed from the breeding shed, to the shed row, and everywhere in between. We want to make sure that legislators hear the message that New York needs to protect the futures of such a large group with so much to contribute to the economic health of our state.”

Members of the New York Horse Racing and Agriculture Industry include: Empire State Harness Horsemen’s Alliance, Harness Horse Association of Central New York, Harness Horse Breeders of New York State, Monticello Harness Horsemen’s Association, New York Farm Bureau, New York Thoroughbred Breeders, New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association, Standardbred Owners Association of New York, Western New York Harness Horsemen’s Association.