CRIST: (Updated: Bruno proposal)

[freddymo]

Originally Posted by Kasept

The "inherent financial issues" were created by the state government and the odious patronage power associated with the OTB's. Not that anyone has remotely begun to address that issue...

And I don't understand the "bad decisions" saddlebag constantly flung over the back of current NYRA management. How are the Kenny Noe/Barry Schwartz years NYRA administrations relevant now? Why is there no credit applied to what's been accomplished the last 3 years?

And with due respect, do you have any idea to what degree the same state government hacks that are losers in the current battle, and are now desperate to keep their fingers in the pie, were responsible for the "mismanagement" for which they chide NYRA? The same scum that take delight in citing NYRA's expenditures under old regimes are the very guys that were glomming everything they could off the NYRA teet for years... I'd find a new whipping post.

They glommed because the format allowed for such BS. If someone owned the company and had to be accountable as such glomming is far less likely.

BTW why should NYRA have to be accountable for past failures? Just because a company changes mgt. all is forgiven? So the past and the past indiscretions are obsolved because they cleared the deck and took out the trash? I guess if the new guys make some bad calls in the future all we need to do is get rid of them as well and start over. is NYRA a catholic non profit? Just kidding

[Kasept]

Originally Posted by freddymo

I guess if the new guys make some bad calls in the future all we need to do is get rid of them as well and start over. is NYRA a catholic non profit? Just kidding.

Now that's funny..

This is the type of drama you get when the organization you want to give a 30 YR franchise to is bankrupt and has a history of corruption.

30 yrs is ridiculous.

I wonder if a few people on this site may have an interest in seeing NYRA get the contract. LOL

[parsixfarms]

Just for curiosity's sake, if you do not want NYRA to run racing in NYRA, who is your preferred alternative?

[freddymo]

Originally Posted by parsixfarms

Just for curiosity's sake, if you do not want NYRA to run racing in NYRA, who is your preferred alternative?

The issue is what regulatory world does the controlling business have to exist in? Once that is determined you can develop a business model. If the rules are always changing its tough to get serious talent involved

[parsixfarms]

Originally Posted by freddymo

The issue is what regulatory world does the controlling business have to exist in? Once that is determined you can develop a business model. If the rules are always changing its tough to get serious talent involved

Based on what's going on here in Albany, I think it's fair to say that the regulatory world in which NY racing is going to operate is not going to change anytime soon - which means that a broken model in which the state grabs too much $$ and the OTBs are essentially preferred (no production cost) competitors of the tracks will remain unfixed. I'm surprised that you recognize the importance of the racing model but seemingly put blinders on when it comes to recognizing that the broken model is why NYRA has been losing money over the past few years.

Originally Posted by parsixfarms

Based on what's going on here in Albany, I think it's fair to say that the regulatory world in which NY racing is going to operate is not going to change anytime soon - which means that a broken in which the state grabs too much $$ and the OTBs are essentially preferred (no production cost) competitors of the tracks will remain unfixed. I'm surprised that you recognize the importance of the racing but seemingly put blinders on when it comes to recognizing that the broken is why NYRA has been losing money over the past few years.

Well why is NYRA fighting so hard for a business and that is impossible to make work? Give it up. This is all about money and people at NYRA and in the government love the status quo. They are all making money and taking care of their friends at the taxpayers expense.

[freddymo]

Originally Posted by parsixfarms

Based on what's going on here in Albany, I think it's fair to say that the regulatory world in which NY racing is going to operate is not going to change anytime soon - which means that a broken model in which the state grabs too much $$ and the OTBs are essentially preferred (no production cost) competitors of the tracks will remain unfixed. I'm surprised that you recognize the importance of the racing model but seemingly put blinders on when it comes to recognizing that the broken model is why NYRA has been losing money over the past few years.

NYRA is broke isn't getting slot money anytime soon and should be put down

Originally Posted by parsixfarms

Just for curiosity's sake, if you do not want NYRA to run racing in NYRA, who is your preferred alternative?

NYRA can run it. Just 5 years at a time. You give anyone 30 years and by year 3 the corruption will set it. Why do you think we elect a president every 4 years, not 30 years. There has to be some accountability and NYRA wants no part of being accountable. They just want jobs for friends and to have their own little playground. No gambling entity should be non-profit though. What will happen is they will always find a way to spend any excess dollars, and usually on contracts for their friends.

[freddymo]

well said

[SCUDSBROTHER]

Originally Posted by Benevolus

NYRA can run it. Just 5 years at a time. You give anyone 30 years and by year 3 the corruption will set it. Why do you think we elect a president every 4 years, not 30 years. There has to be some accountability and NYRA wants no part of being accountable. They just want jobs for friends and to have their own little playground. No gambling entity should be non-profit though. What will happen is they will always find a way to spend any excess dollars, and usually on contracts for their friends.

Right about now,I sure wish we elected a President every 3 years.....It will soon be announced that Turkey owns NYRA,and any mouthing off about it will not be tolerated by these hardballers.What was the Met Mile is now to be called The Ataturk Mile.The Belmont is now going to be called the Ankara Derby.

[Hickory Hill Hoff]

Originally Posted by parsixfarms

Just for curiosity's sake, if you do not want NYRA to run racing in NYRA, who is your preferred alternative?

I guess our friends both "Freddy Mo" & "Benevolus" can't answer this!
I said it once and I'll say it again; The on-track race product that NYRA puts forth is the best anywhere. All others interested in the franchise are ONLY interested in the slots side...our friends above must not be true fans of thoroughbred racing or they would see this. What do the others know about running thoroughbred racing.....PLEASE ANSWER ME THIS, NYRA DETRACTORS!

Originally Posted by Hickory Hill Hoff

I guess our friends both "Freddy Mo" & "Benevolus" can't answer this!
I said it once and I'll say it again; The on-track race product that NYRA puts forth is the best anywhere. All others interested in the franchise are ONLY interested in the slots side...our friends above must not be true fans of thoroughbred racing or they would see this. What do the others know about running thoroughbred racing.....PLEASE ANSWER ME THIS, NYRA DETRACTORS!

That's the problem. Without the Saratoga meet included, the product has been mediocre at best.

[Hickory Hill Hoff]

Originally Posted by Pillow Pants

That's the problem. Without the Saratoga meet included, the product has been mediocre at best.

But, other than Churchill or Keeneland....where's it been better?
The day to - day meets in California & Florida suck, it's only good on weekends and stake days there.

[SentToStud]

Originally Posted by Hickory Hill Hoff

I guess our friends both "Freddy Mo" & "Benevolus" can't answer this!
I said it once and I'll say it again; The on-track race product that NYRA puts forth is the best anywhere. All others interested in the franchise are ONLY interested in the slots side...our friends above must not be true fans of thoroughbred racing or they would see this. What do the others know about running thoroughbred racing.....PLEASE ANSWER ME THIS, NYRA DETRACTORS!

I think Kirkorian's group would have been a good choice. And in addition to running the slots, the racing side (NYRA or whomever) would have benefited from having a successful gaming executive from outside the NYRA 'family' running racing, or at least having a significant presence on the financial oversight side.

These top gaming firms (Kirkorian/MGM and Wynn, etc) are arguably far more astute and vigorous at financial management than anyone NYRA has ever had in place.

That's the difference between a non-profit and firms like Wynn/MGM. They know how to make money and are VERY good at watching the store.

The kind of thing that happened a few years ago when NYRA non-bid a 900k contract (against their own regs) for services provided by a relative of a key NYRA exec simply would not happen with more qualified management.

Does that help?

[parsixfarms]

Originally Posted by SentToStud

The kind of thing that happened a few years ago when NYRA non-bid a 900k contract (against their own regs) for services provided by a relative of a key NYRA exec simply would not happen with more qualified management.

I actually believe that there's some merit to a lot of what is in your post about the value of some outside "fresh" minds getting involved in the business side of things, but let's not kid ourselves, "sweetheart deals" occur in the private sector as well.

[theiman]

Originally Posted by Hickory Hill Hoff

I guess our friends both "Freddy Mo" & "Benevolus" can't answer this!
I said it once and I'll say it again; The on-track race product that NYRA puts forth is the best anywhere. All others interested in the franchise are ONLY interested in the slots side...our friends above must not be true fans of thoroughbred racing or they would see this. What do the others know about running thoroughbred racing.....PLEASE ANSWER ME THIS, NYRA DETRACTORS!

Keeneland puts on a better product than NYRA

Keeneland doesnt have to deal with 6.5 months of something called The Big A.

Belmont is a ghost town and with the exception of a triple crown contender and the year it has the BC (or has a good giveaway) it has nobody but a handul of regulars(5-6K) who attend.

NYRA cant run the races at a profit have shown corruption and bankruptcy in its past. NYRA hasn't improved in the past few years, Saratoga has improved by use of good promotions and top quality racing and it being a destination vacation attraction.

I have never seen so many people in fear that if someone else takes over the NY tracks that Saratoga will be ruined.

I would also take Santa Anita for its 4 month meet over anything NYRA offers except Saratoga. However, since it doesnt have to run against Saratoga, It makes it much more appealing for 4 months of good racing vs 6 weeks.

Because nobody would want the NY tracks without slots is a true reflection that NY racing is not a profitable investment and is "not the best racing product anywhere" and it would be nuts to bid on it unless the slots were there. That doesnt mean NYRA should get it by default.

We are all true fans of T-Bred racing, but some of us are realistic in seeing that ineptitude, corruption, neglect of facilities, corporate nepotism, and bankruptcy should not be rewarded and definetly not for 30 years.

[paisjpq]

Originally Posted by theiman

Keeneland puts on a better product than NYRA

Keeneland doesnt have to deal with 6.5 months of something called The Big A.

Belmont is a ghost town and with the exception of a triple crown contender and the year it has the BC (or has a good giveaway) it has nobody but a handul of regulars(5-6K) who attend.

NYRA cant run the races at a profit have shown corruption and bankruptcy in its past. NYRA hasn't improved in the past few years, Saratoga has improved by use of good promotions and top quality racing and it being a destination vacation attraction.

I have never seen so many people in fear that if someone else takes over the NY tracks that Saratoga will be ruined.

I would also take Santa Anita for its 4 month meet over anything NYRA offers except Saratoga. However, since it doesnt have to run against Saratoga, It makes it much more appealing for 4 months of good racing vs 6 weeks.

Because nobody would want the NY tracks without slots is a true reflection that NY racing is not a profitable investment and is "not the best racing product anywhere" and it would be nuts to bid on it unless the slots were there. That doesnt mean NYRA should get it by default.

We are all true fans of T-Bred racing, but some of us are realistic in seeing that ineptitude, corruption, neglect of facilities, corporate nepotism, and bankruptcy should not be rewarded and definetly not for 30 years.

I love Keeneland but what they do there can never be compared to racing in "the real world"....they run about 32 dates per calendar year....they are heavily supported by the local horse industry....they are awash in money from the sales which, if added up take more days than the racing...not to mention they are profiting from polytrack sales...if they had to run races every day of the year the picture would no doubt be different....and if you GO to the races you can easily see that all is NOT well in the way that they take care of some things there.

[NTamm1215]

Originally Posted by theiman

Keeneland puts on a better product than NYRA

Keeneland, while it runs for 32 days per year, does not put on a better product than Saratoga. Not in any way, shape or form. Saratoga's allowance races are much stronger. Saratoga has a more expanded stakes schedule.

I was on top of every card at the spring Keeneland meet, then Saratoga, and now the fall at Keeneland. There's really no way you can say Keeneland's racing product is better. I know the NY-bred argument will come up, but remember that California has the same issue and sometimes the state breds can offer full, competitive fields that are great in terms of betting.

NT

[Linny]

Originally Posted by DaHoss9698

For somebody so "realistic", you do realize that Keeneland runs for, maybe a month all year. They run a great product, but I would love to see them do it year round. It's not easy. Look at Florida. Gulfstream is alright, and while Calder has it's moments, it's basically crap for a good part of the year. Kentucky, well Turfway is, Turfway. And California is nice too, but before synthetic surfaces, you had 5 horse fields in many races. Every entity has it's slow parts.

KEE also is supported by the Sales Company. All thos e million dollar babies help pay for purses. KEE owns Turfway as well and they proved decent purses for the KY "winter meet" stock.