Empire challenges rumored NY franchise plan
 

kinda closer, it seems.
http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=39377

Empire's concerns.
http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/nat...an-flawed.aspx

Why would anybody bother reading about a group that only tells fabrications?

I have no clue other than what I read here. Would be so kind as to set the record straight ?

I see nothing but fighting with that plan.Government should just get out of it and give it to the highest bidder.

Maybe it's me, but I see a very distinct difference in what Empire, and the other groups, are saying, claiming, etc. I have no ties to any party, so I am not biased in my allegiances; in reality, I don't have any. I am a fan, a bettor and an owner, but I am 100%, all for the betterment and benefit of evey aspect and everyone involved in NY racing.

Like either one of them or not, with NYRA and Excelsior, I see a great deal of their mindset, platform, methodoligies, etc. in their public remarks, press releases, statements, etc. Yes, they have different models, beliefs, and ideas. However, with Empire, there always seems to be this tone (perhaps undertone) of adversarial and confrontational behavior. They always seem to making claims, accusations, and "loud" statements about everyone else, what's wrong, the negativity, etc. It's very much finger-pointing type of marketing and PR. I very much and very clearly see this not being part of the solution -- but as part of the problem.

Eric

Empire wants to raise take-out.

Next!

I just don't see where any of this would help/benefit NYRA. Yhey have had their problems, but they've IMO done a super job with the Saratoga meet for many years. This includes everything from renovations to racing. This jusy seems to get more confusing/frustrating by the minute.

This would not be good!

Congrats on "5000" postings Andy :cool:

I'm sure that is a milestone he's very proud of.

I'm thinking of giving up on typing out words---and all those deep thoughts of mine---and just using EMortyCons for each of my next 3,600 posts so I can rapidly catch up to him.

O=:<

:) :confused: ;) :rolleyes:

Did Morty make it through the day? or did he get his wish. :eek:

the part about the empire article that i didnt like the most when they talked about using VLT money to get synthetic surfaces.












barf

You know, as I was typing I completely forgot about that.

One doesn't have to wonder as to why they want to raise the take-out.

Eric

Where is the article that states that Empire wants to raise take-out? I would be interested in reading that article. Not disagreeing with you, just want to read it is all.

It is clearly stated in their franchise proposal.

[quote=blackthroatedwind]It is clearly stated in their franchise proposal.[/QUOTE Is their franchise proposal public? If so, can I look it up on the internet?

I have lost touch with this issue over the past couple of months, but it seems interesting to me that Spitzer wants NYRA to give up their claim to the land in exchange for the renewed contrat to run the horse racing side. Here is what I find interesting

"In its current bankruptcy court proceedings, NYRA claims ownership of the three tracks. Industry insiders say the Spitzer administration is concerned about losing the legal fight over the land claims and would rather work out a deal in which NYRA would keep the racing side of the franchise in exchange for giving up the track claims. The Spitzer administration is also demanding that the current NYRA board resign in return for another franchise and a new management structure be put in place."

Now why would NYRA give up their claim to the land. When I sold my business, I made sure to keep control of the land. I just charge the new company "rent." The NYRA could make a great deal of money on renting the land to the horse racing operator and or the VLT operator. Doesn't make sense to me why the NYRA would give up their claim.

AND have 25 dollar chicken sandwiches!!

Amen. It's amazing that the press gave them much coverage of yesterday's press conference.

Eric, I agree completely, but that's what you get with a political hack like Jeff Perlee in charge. Besides the backroom deals that led to the NYTHA endorsement, Empire's "negative" campaigning on the franchise issue is no different than the what these guys do it on the political front. And they wonder why people are turned off to their schtick?

I hear you. I don't know Jeff Perlee, but I do remember reading his CV, perhaps on their website or in their proposal. To be honest, whatever I read, I forgot. Be that as it may, with regard to the NYTHA -- this decision was very rash and done without proper due diligence and consideration. It was very premature as well. In addition, when the board of the NYTHA made this decision -- even though it might have been well within the board's purview -- it appeared to not represent the majority of the NYTHA membership. Thus, it did not represent the collective views and desires of the membership.

Look at the leadership of the various organizations -- the NY Breeders was headed up by Dennis Brida and Barry Ostrager (the lay-leader). I can't really speak to Brida, however, Ostrager is very well known, well respected, and is an extremely intelligent man. The NYTHA was headed up by Bob Flynn and Richard Bomze (the lay-leader). Again, I can't speak to Flynn, however, Bomze constantly seemed out of his league, over his head, etc. I don't think the NYTHA did an adequate job in dealing with NYRA -- well before the franchise RFP process began. In my opinion, the NYTHA used legal counsel as a crutch which not only cost a great deal of money, but also can be very reflective of much larger issues -- the quality and confidence in the board, the respect or lack thereof from other organizations, and how the NYTHA is able to accomplish or not accomplish representing the best interests of the horsemen.

Anyway, what's done is done and history should very much teach us a great deal.

Eric

Perhaps Empires raise of the takeout is a realistic approach to the finances of the racing/casino scenario? They might be the only ones to admit it up front.
Is there any promise, in writing, in the other plans from Excelsior and NYRA, that raising the TO wont be the case down the road?

I think Empire wants a fair shake as all do. When the original evaluation, from the Pataki group, came out Empire was rated behind Excelsior. I think Spitzer heard enough, I know I wrote to him and to the Saratogian newspaper about the rating of Excelsior and the credit they were be given for the Chicago horse racing management team that runs the harness tracks, actually instead of runs the harness tracks it should be "ruins" the harness tracks.
I am sure you are all aware that the same "racing experienced management team" that Excelsior claims to have, namely the Johnstons from the Chicago harness tracks, also surcharge the winning wagers on track at an additional 1%. In addition, if you wager intertrack from say Maywood Park on a race at Balmoral you are surcharged at 1.5% of your winnings. You sure you want these people in charge in NY?

There is alot to look at at all of the groups, just make sure all of the cards are on the table before awarding something that someone may regret they will be stuck with for a long time!!

In the first story, next to last paragraph, bold italics added:

"In its current bankruptcy court proceedings, NYRA claims ownership of the three tracks. Industry insiders say the Spitzer administration is concerned about losing the legal fight over the land claims and would rather work out a deal in which NYRA would keep the racing side of the franchise in exchange for giving up the track claims. The Spitzer administration is also demanding that the current NYRA board resign in return for another franchise and a new management structure be put in place."

I read this as total management change of NYRA moving forward.

Correct?

If correct, why?

So Elliot can put HIS people in!

Can't he just fire them and get on with it?

This is not correct.

The board and management are two distinct entities. Without getting too deeply into it, the board ( 24 or 25 people I believe ) comes from different places, and one of these could probably be construed as " Pataki people " and almost certainly at least Spitzer wants these people out.

While some from the board will remain it seems likely that most will be replaced. Steve Duncker, who is chairman, is not one of those that would be replaced in my opinion. He certainly should not be.

Thank you.