http://www.nyra.com/aqueduct/stories/Feb112008b.shtml
From NYRA Press Staff | February 11, 2008
To Our New York Racing Fans
As I’m sure you may know NYRA is faced with the real possibility of having to suspend racing after the Wednesday, February 13th card is run.
NYRA’s franchise to run thoroughbred racing at Aqueduct, Saratoga and Belmont Park, which dates back to 1955, expired on December 31, 2007 without a franchise renewal in place. Acting in good faith and responding to assurances that an agreement would soon be reached mirroring the September 4th Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) already agreed to by NYRA, the Governor and the State Assembly, NYRA accepted a three-week temporary extension of its franchise until January 23rd and a second extension which will expire Wednesday.
NYRA can no longer operate under temporary extensions and will conclude racing at Aqueduct on Wednesday unless NYRA receives a new long-term franchise.
Without getting too deeply into the issues surrounding the franchise, NYRA is committed to securing an agreement that ensures the franchise is operated by people who have the best interests of thoroughbred racing at heart and are dedicated to ensuring that the thoroughbred industry is a vital contributor to the State of New York.
Absent an appropriate franchise agreement, on Thursday two-thirds of our employees will be laid-off, while the rest will take significant pay cuts with further cutbacks expected if the closure is prolonged. Trainers have been told they may train their horses at our tracks for two weeks, but that NYRA will not be able to accommodate horses or backstretch workers past February 27th.
Unfortunately, you will be affected as well, as your participation in the greatest game played outdoors also will be interrupted. We will keep you informed about any significant developments in the franchise process and deeply hope that any interruption in racing is brief. We understand your frustration and appreciate your patience.