New NYRA Chariman: " I really don't know much about Horseracing"
 

http://www.timesunion.com/local/arti...ut-4102498.php

Skorton has never been to Saratoga Race Course or Belmont Park, and only recently stopped by Aqueduct Racetrack. On that trip — just after Superstorm Sandy hit, with racing canceled — he met with NYRA management and employees, and operators of Resorts World Casino. "For many of the ins and outs of the process ... I am in a listening mode," he said.

I am a frequent critic of Jim Odato, but this was a very nice profile piece on Skorton who is a highly respected academician and administrator. Not knowing a lot about horse racing won't hold a guy like him back from doing a good job with the NYRA board.

I'd prefer someone "not knowing much about horseracing" over someone who already has a bias against it, like many in the media we have to contend with.

It's refreshing news in that he doesn't have a stake either way, and appears to be the sort of person that takes his time to assemble facts unbiasedly before rushing into judgement.

Additionally, having Dr. Bilinski as an adviser can't hurt - pretty remarkable guy in his own right.

If this guy can handle the petty world of academia, he'll do just fine. I thought it was a very nice piece.

At least he admits it! Which puts him way ahead of the game.

The vast majority of the powers that be in horse racing also "don't know much about horseracing" ... but they sure think they do.

can you get him on the 'new team'?

This means nothing, and is what is scary.

I am dubious of the direction of NYRA under this administration, and while hoping for the best, am highly skeptical.

I think you can be confident that day to day running of a world renowned institution with 10,000 employees, 20,000 students, and an endowment of $5,000,000,000 probably is enough background to head a perfunctory Board of Trustees that meets a handful of times a year.

I'm not sure I agree. The legendary Dean Vernon Wormer was easily as accomplished as this guy and the NYRA board may be closer to Delta Tau Chi than we realize.

Lets hope you are right

Does this mean that NYRA is on double secret probation now?

Good thing they knocked out some important items today like officers being able to wager. I was worried Ellen McClain was using inside info to move the pools.

Bluto: "My advice to you is to start drinking heavily."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uepFO4psgKE

"There is a little known codicil in The New York State constitution, which gives the Governor unlimited power in times of campus emergency. Find me a way to revoke NYRA's charter. Put Neidermeyer on it, he's a sneaky little **** just like you."

'toga! 'toga! 'toga!

At least he's honest! How many CEO's come into a new company and admit that they know little about the field/industry that the company is competing in?

Can't Help Myself
 

I gave my love a cherry...


LMAO when I read this thread this AM. Only thing better than Steve's response including 20,000 students was the AH quotes.

Always remember:

Vegetables are sensual.
People are sensuous.

(Mrs. Wormer and Eric Stratton at the market)

BTW - the choice of the new NYRA guy still does not let me place a legal bet in Missouri.