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Originally Posted by pgiaco
Well said. This "issue" was addressed before, but with Ex Gov #9, his aides, Joe Bruno, the Albany DA and other assorted politicos being investigated by SIC, NYRA becomes a very convenient distraction.
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Thank you, for the kind words and the clarification. I would agree. However, as I mentioned in part -- as a fan and bettor, and being in this business for my entire adult life and racing horses all over the country, I was in the past a critic of NYRA. I raced there, went to the track often, spent the meet up at the Spa, etc. However, I wasn't a full-fledged supporter and advocate. Not because of who they were or weren't, but more because of "how" they were. I, like many others, wanted more and complete transparency. I wanted -- and we got -- reduced take-outs. I wanted the NYTHA to have a place at the table. I wanted more benefits for the backstretch workers, jockeys, trainers, fans, bettors and owners. I also didn't like some of the decisions made -- for example the entire horsemen's purse account issue. I wanted what many others wanted.
However, that's changed. It's improved. It's much, much better and in certain aspects ideal. I have moved from critic to supporter. I supported NYRA to retain the franchise. I attended every open meeting, got invoted to some that weren't open, and made sure I was aware of the environment that effected my business and my sport. Do I like everything? No, nobody does. But it's the best it can be and getting better -- and today, everyone is working together to make it better.
NY Racing today and the turmoil we have is not a result of NYRA. It's not a NYRA issue. It's a racing industry issue and more specifically, as it relates to NYRA, a byproduct of arcane, antiquated, and a broken system, set of laws, legislation, tax rates, etc. -- that once worked; 50 years ago, pre-OTB growth and expansion, pre-simulcasting and rights, pre-rebate shops, etc.
I have said it numerable times -- before the VLT legislation, how many parties were interested in the NY racing franchise? Where were they all? Anyway, I think in the future we will see the best racing model and the best racing in NY. Of course not everyone will be happy. But it's not about the one -- it's about the many, the industry, the sport as a whole.
Eric