15 Groups Including Churchill Downs Seek to Replace NYRA

Off-track betting organizations, Churchill Downs, George Steinbrenner's son-in-law, an Australian firm and a Las Vegas gambling giant are among 15 parties interested in ending the New York Racing Association's half-century hold on thoroughbred racing in the state. NYRA, which has had the franchise since 1955, also formally said it wants to renew the deal when it expires Dec. 31, 2007.

The individuals and groups filed "expressions of interest" with the state by Friday's deadline to enter the running for control of racing at the Aqueduct, Belmont and Saratoga tracks. Final proposals are due Aug. 15, and the state's Ad Hoc Committee on the Future of Racing will make its recommendations to Gov. George Pataki and the Legislature by Sept. 15, said Scott Reif, committee spokesman. A decision may not be made until next year.

NYRA has complained that it gets to keep too little of the money bet on races under the current deal, which was written before an explosion in competition from televised races, off-track sports betting and casino gambling. It lost more than $15 million in 2004 and $22 million in 2003.

July 5, 2006
Posted By Bob Hartman
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