NYRA: Spitzer nod on 30 yr renewal

This was a no-brainer. It was all about the governor getting rights to $1 BILLION dollars worth of land. Now you can pretty much kiss Aqueduct goodbye. It will be sold to a Spitzer friend for real estate development. Spitzer's family made it's fortune in the real estate game.

NYRA does a good job but the reality is that taxpayers made a loan to them and NYRA is basically defaulting on the loan. So the governor's friends get rich, NYRA once again has no accountability, and the taxpayer gets screwed.

Gotta love NY.

NYRA vice chairman Jim Heffernan said the end of the land-claims dispute with the state means NYRA is relinquishing its ownership in about $1-billion worth of property at the three tracks. In return, the state is forgiving about $130 million NYRA owes it, including about $30 million provided over the past year.

[Kasept]

Originally Posted by Benevolus

NYRA does a good job but the reality is that taxpayers made a loan to them and NYRA is basically defaulting on the loan. So the governor's friends get rich, NYRA once again has no accountability, and the taxpayer gets screwed.

That's nonsense and a misrepresentation of the truth. It was in fact the State of NY that regularly 'defaulted' on agreements made to NYRA that placed the Association in an impossible position.

It was the Pataki administration that purposefully delayed VLT construction at Aqueduct in the hopes of destroying the Association to the point where it could decide the franchise question in favor of its' cronies. NYRA had been waiting since 1985 for the State of NY to address the franchise situation, a scenario which had been festering as each passing Governor failed to tackle the issue(s). And how exactly are the taxpayers screwed in a deal where the state nets $870 million worth of assets?

And accountability? NYRA has had the ultimate accountability the last 3 years having to clean out the viruses introduced by the vile Kenny Noe during his corrupt tenure in the '90's. I'm just back from the track and the press conference with Steve Duncker, Jim Heffernan and Charlie Hayward which was deservedly celebratory. Hayward broke down during his opportunity to comment on things as he spoke about the Association being the object of ridicule during the franchise process. His stewardship during this period has been remarkable, and NYRA's repeated refusal to stoop to the level of the colluded smear campaign engaged in by the likes of the NY Daily News, Times-Union, Jerry Bailey and Jeff Perle is something for which he'll long be remembered.

NYRA and its' non-profit model was the ONLY choice for racing in New York, and today's announcement goes a long way towards ensuring that the quality of racing in the state is maintained and kept at the highest level possible. There are still questions regarding the OTB problem(s) to be addressed, but the 'good guys' won today, and we as racing fans are winners along with them.

Just a reminder...

For those wanting to purchase Jerry Bailey's Inside Track 2-cd set...It would be wise to do so now while it's still $29.95.

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by Kasept

NYRA and its' non-profit model was the ONLY choice for racing in New York, and today's announcement goes a long way towards ensuring that the quality of racing in the state is maintained and kept at the highest level possible. There are still questions regarding the OTB problem(s) to be addressed, but the 'good guys' won today, and we as racing fans are winners along with them.

Yay!!

[fpsoxfan]

Originally Posted by Kasept

That's nonsense and a misrepresentation of the truth. It was in fact the State of NY that regularly 'defaulted' on agreements made to NYRA that placed the Association in an impossible position.

It was the Pataki administration that purposefully delayed VLT construction at Aqueduct in the hopes of destroying the Association to the point where it could decide the franchise question in favor of its' cronies. NYRA had been waiting since 1985 for the State of NY to address the franchise situation, a scenario which had been festering as each passing Governor failed to tackle the issue(s). And how exactly are the taxpayers screwed in a deal where the state nets $870 million worth of assets?

And accountability? NYRA has had the ultimate accountability the last 3 years having to clean out the viruses introduced by the vile Kenny Noe during his corrupt tenure in the '90's. I'm just back from the track and the press conference with Steve Duncker, Jim Heffernan and Charlie Hayward which was deservedly celebratory. Hayward broke down during his opportunity to comment on things as he spoke about the Association being the object of ridicule during the franchise process. His stewardship during this period has been remarkable, and NYRA's repeated refusal to stoop to the level of the colluded smear campaign engaged by the likes of the NY Daily News, Times-Union, Jerry Bailey and Jeff Perle is something for which he'll long be remembered.

NYRA and its' non-profit was the ONLY choice for racing in New York, and today's announcement goes a long way towards ensuring that the quality of racing in the state is maintained and kept at the highest level possible. There are still questions regarding the OTB problem(s) to be addressed, but the 'good guys' won today, and we as racing fans are winners along with them.

Very well said. Congratulations NYRA!!!!!!

[Hickory Hill Hoff]

It has been four long years, but in the end the best group to run thoroughbred racing in N.Y won...let the political games end (although I highly doubt that) and continue with the great product NYRA has to offer. Racing is the top priority from here on out!

[pgiaco]

Agreed, this is the best thing to happen to NY racing in years...Have to also agree with the point that Charlie Hayward is a first class guy and cannot be given enough credit for pulling, basically a rabbit out of a hat, to save NYRA. Now if the State doesn't try to play politics, maybe racing here can get back on track.
Don't get me started on the OTBs though.

[ELA]

Originally Posted by Cardus

After settling the question of whom will run the New York tracks, you know that the OTB dilemna is the next mountain, not that I expect a change in the relationship between NYRA and the state OTB branches.

I would expect a change. Not as part of this deal, but it will be accounted for in some respect, or many perhaps. I think the OTB issue gets resolved as part of the changes in the VLT legislation.

Eric

[pgiaco]

Good Luck negotiating the political cesspool that is NYCOTB. The patronage and incompetence is so ingrown that I don't know how you can fix the problem. It has always escaped me why NYRA and OTB were set up as competitors. There would be more than enough pie to go around if it was one entity.

[sumitas]

Originally Posted by Kasept

That's nonsense and a misrepresentation of the truth. It was in fact the State of NY that regularly 'defaulted' on agreements made to NYRA that placed the Association in an impossible position.

It was the Pataki administration that purposefully delayed VLT construction at Aqueduct in the hopes of destroying the Association to the point where it could decide the franchise question in favor of its' cronies. NYRA had been waiting since 1985 for the State of NY to address the franchise situation, a scenario which had been festering as each passing Governor failed to tackle the issue(s). And how exactly are the taxpayers screwed in a deal where the state nets $870 million worth of assets?

And accountability? NYRA has had the ultimate accountability the last 3 years having to clean out the viruses introduced by the vile Kenny Noe during his corrupt tenure in the '90's. I'm just back from the track and the press conference with Steve Duncker, Jim Heffernan and Charlie Hayward which was deservedly celebratory. Hayward broke down during his opportunity to comment on things as he spoke about the Association being the object of ridicule during the franchise process. His stewardship during this period has been remarkable, and NYRA's repeated refusal to stoop to the level of the colluded smear campaign engaged in by the likes of the NY Daily News, Times-Union, Jerry Bailey and Jeff Perle is something for which he'll long be remembered.

NYRA and its' non-profit model was the ONLY choice for racing in New York, and today's announcement goes a long way towards ensuring that the quality of racing in the state is maintained and kept at the highest level possible. There are still questions regarding the OTB problem(s) to be addressed, but the 'good guys' won today, and we as racing fans are winners along with them.

Very well said. Mr. Hayward deserves our heartfelt thanks for enduring relentless pressure, financial and otherwise. I thank Gov. Spitzer for setting NY racing on a course where we all can rise with this tide. Better days are ahead.

[DJK]

I know people at some non-profits - that rent the track in Saratoga for events - are dancing little jigs of relief, too.

[Cannon Shell]

I was glad to see NYRA stay in charge.

[ELA]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

I was glad to see NYRA stay in charge.

So are most people involved in the business. Although the NYTHA initially endorsed Empire -- albeit prematurely, absent of a great deal of facts and due diligence, etc. -- the majority of the horsemen were not behind the endorsement (as I am sure you well know). The endorsement was given without even informing the membership. Of course the endorsement was later withdrawn.

Many people tend to forget or don't know that the NYTHA consists not only of trainers, but every owner in NY who races a horse at a NYRA track just one time throughout the year.

I also believe that NYRA was also the only bidder that stated raising the takeout was not part of their proposal.

Eric

[NoLuvForPletch]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

I was glad to see NYRA stay in charge.

Okay, now that everyone is so excited about NYRA remaining in charge can they hire someone that knows what will make the fans of the sport happy? They can start with moving the Spinaway back to the last Friday of the meet and the Hopeful to the last Saturday of the meet. Who's bright idea was it to run the Hopeful on Labor day Monday at 530pm?

[SniperSB23]

Originally Posted by NoLuvForPletch

Okay, now that everyone is so excited about NYRA remaining in charge can they hire someone that knows what will make the fans of the sport happy? They can start with moving the Spinaway back to the last Friday of the meet and the Hopeful to the last Saturday of the meet. Who's bright idea was it to run the Hopeful on Labor day Monday at 530pm?

I don't get it, how would adding the Hopeful to an already very nice day on Saturday where there was the Forego and the Woodward help anything? Didn't Monday draw over 20,000? Would that have still happened if the Hopeful was on Saturday? Maybe, but I doubt the positive impact on Saturday would outweigh the negative impact on Monday.

[NoLuvForPletch]

Originally Posted by Cardus

Where does that one rank on your list of suggestions of NYRA to handle aspects of racing to make fans happy?

Certainly not at the top but it is an example of something that gives one the impression that they really do not know what would benefit racing and the enjoyment of it, from a fan's perspective.

How do you feel about the absurd ticket and admission pricing on Belmont Day and their "policy" that does not allow one to bring their own alcohol to the Belmont. But they sure allow you to buy as much as you want from the concession stand at $7.00 a beer.

Originally Posted by Kasept

That's nonsense and a misrepresentation of the truth. It was in fact the State of NY that regularly 'defaulted' on agreements made to NYRA that placed the Association in an impossible position.

It was the Pataki administration that purposefully delayed VLT construction at Aqueduct in the hopes of destroying the Association to the point where it could decide the franchise question in favor of its' cronies. NYRA had been waiting since 1985 for the State of NY to address the franchise situation, a scenario which had been festering as each passing Governor failed to tackle the issue(s). And how exactly are the taxpayers screwed in a deal where the state nets $870 million worth of assets?

And accountability? NYRA has had the ultimate accountability the last 3 years having to clean out the viruses introduced by the vile Kenny Noe during his corrupt tenure in the '90's. I'm just back from the track and the press conference with Steve Duncker, Jim Heffernan and Charlie Hayward which was deservedly celebratory. Hayward broke down during his opportunity to comment on things as he spoke about the Association being the object of ridicule during the franchise process. His stewardship during this period has been remarkable, and NYRA's repeated refusal to stoop to the level of the colluded smear campaign engaged in by the likes of the NY Daily News, Times-Union, Jerry Bailey and Jeff Perle is something for which he'll long be remembered.

NYRA and its' non-profit was the ONLY choice for racing in New York, and today's announcement goes a long way towards ensuring that the quality of racing in the state is maintained and kept at the highest level possible. There are still questions regarding the OTB problem(s) to be addressed, but the 'good guys' won today, and we as racing fans are winners along with them.

Spoken like someone who depends on NYRA for his access to people. Please explain to me where the $130 million loan that the government gave to NYRA came from. Did the money grow on trees or was it make believe? LOL

Nice website and radioshow (which seems to have a heavy bias on NY racing, probably because you work on a NYRA facility with your radioshow and your bbq), but you are a NYRA bootlicker.

The taxpayer got stuck with a $130 million dollar loan. It is that simple.

Also, can you please let us know how a group just gave up rights to $1 billion worth of land. I know NYRA is a joke and has already proven they are inept when it comes to dealing with money, but just giving away $1 billion is pretty funny.

[Ronnie]

Originally Posted by Benevolus

Spoken like someone who depends on NYRA for his access to people. Please explain to me where the $130 million loan that the government gave to NYRA came from. Did the money grow on trees or was it make believe? LOL

Nice website and radioshow (which seems to have a heavy bias on NY racing, probably because you work on a NYRA facility with your radioshow and your bbq), but you are a NYRA bootlicker.

The taxpayer got stuck with a $130 million dollar loan. It is that simple.

Also, can you please let us know how a group just gave up rights to $1 billion worth of land. I know NYRA is a joke and has already proven they are inept when it comes to dealing with money, but just giving away $1 billion is pretty funny.

They didn't give anything away..they just agreed that they did not own the land.

Originally Posted by Ronnie

They didn't give anything away..they just agreed that they did not own the land.

The state should have netted $1billion for the land, and $130 for the loan they gave to NYRA. Instead the state is basically bailing out NYRA.

What happens though is NYRA is supposed to give all their profits to the state, so making them repay a loan is pointless.

The real joke about a non-profit horse racing business is that the profits go to the state, therefore everyone that works in the business has an incentive to spend every nickel so there is nothing for the state. Unfortunately that money is usually spent on things like shuttling horses for free for NYRA board members. lol

[parsixfarms]

Originally Posted by Benevolus

Unfortunately that money is usually spent on things like shuttling horses for free for NYRA board members. lol

It's comments like these that illustrate your ignorance of how the racing industry works.