B-H: NYRA Deal Appears Close.. Maybe

ELA · #1 02-07-2008, 12:50 AM

NYRA, or any other franchise operator for that matter, cannot be expected to meet any State imposed fiscal benchmarks -- not without a drastic change and overhauls in several landscapes -- legal, legislative, tax, and others (perhaps OTB included).

As everyone knows VLT's and the "cut" from them are not the entire solution; and if it's not done right, it's worse -- then it becomes part of the problem.

How many of the bidders wanted the franchise before the VLT legislation passed? More importantly, how many of them wanted it without the overhauls that have been discussed (and included in every single proposal)? The answer -- none of them, including NYRA.

Eric

whodey17 · #2 02-07-2008, 12:54 AM

I love how people blame other entities for the fiscal shortcomings of the NYRA. One has to operate within the boundaries it was given. I really enjoy racing in NY and it could be so much better.

ELA · #3 02-07-2008, 01:14 AM

Personally, I don't think it's blame at all. Was NYRA completely innocent of wrongdoing, poor management, and other things as well? Of course not. However, have they always been guilty of same? No, certainly not. I've been a critic of NYRA for a long time, on many specific issues where they were certainly wrong. They were guilty on the horsemen's purse account, and how that entire situation was addressed and handled. However, I've also been a critic of the NYTHA and I am a horse owner. However, that's not blame.

In understanding the business and being part of it, I think it's also important to understand the nature of the business, the business model, and more. Being in the business you can look at the business both vocationally and advocationally.

It worked before, and it will work again. Of course NY racing can be so much better. It can be the best in the industry. The fiscal shortcomings of NYRA -- are in fact the fiscal shortcomings of the industry and business model in NY.

Eric

zippyneedsawin · #4 02-07-2008, 06:14 AM

Sign up now for Aqueduct's SHOWdown contest! It begins February 14... I just love the timing of this.

https://www.nyra.com/Signon.do?TRK=AQU

Hickory Hill Hoff · #5 02-07-2008, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zippyneedsawin

Sign up now for Aqueduct's SHOWdown contest! It begins February 14... I just love the timing of this.

https://www.nyra.com/Signon.do?TRK=AQU

Everybody's OUT! on the first day

blackthroatedwind · #6 02-07-2008, 07:40 AM

I'm sure that in the unlikely event of a shutdown that NYRA will either refund the entrance fees or simply begin the contest once racing resumes. And, nobody is required to play....so don't enter if you have some personal concerns.

I find it fascinating that people are criticizing NYRA for continuing this contest in light of how much criticism was laid upon them when this contest had to be delayed in the past due to website updates. It seems they're damned if the do and damned if they don't.

I hope the many people who have confused standards for NYRA apply these same conditions to their own lives.

zippyneedsawin · #7 02-07-2008, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

I'm sure that in the unlikely event of a shutdown that NYRA will either refund the entrance fees or simply begin the contest once racing resumes. And, nobody is required to play....so don't enter if you have some personal concerns.

I find it fascinating that people are criticizing NYRA for continuing this contest in light of how much criticism was laid upon them when this contest had to be delayed in the past due to website updates. It seems they're damned if the do and damned if they don't.

I hope the many people who have confused standards for NYRA apply these same conditions to their own lives.

I assume you are referring to someone else, because I missed the part where I was critical of NYRA in my post. I like the contest and play it (on a voluntary basis, mind you) when I can. I thought the start date was interesting/funny considering the deadline that was set. Anyone who entered and thought NYRA would 'take their money and run' is a bit naive or just cynical.

whodey17 · #8 02-07-2008, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ELA

Personally, I don't think it's blame at all. Was NYRA completely innocent of wrongdoing, poor management, and other things as well? Of course not. However, have they always been guilty of same? No, certainly not. I've been a critic of NYRA for a long time, on many specific issues where they were certainly wrong. They were guilty on the horsemen's purse account, and how that entire situation was addressed and handled. However, I've also been a critic of the NYTHA and I am a horse owner. However, that's not blame.

In understanding the business and being part of it, I think it's also important to understand the nature of the business, the business model, and more. Being in the business you can look at the business both vocationally and advocationally.

It worked before, and it will work again. Of course NY racing can be so much better. It can be the best in the industry. The fiscal shortcomings of NYRA -- are in fact the fiscal shortcomings of the industry and business model in NY.

Eric

Agree--nice post.

parsixfarms · #9 02-07-2008, 12:59 PM

The problem with this whole process is that there has been absolutely ZERO transparency regarding the issues involved. While I know that the parties can't be expected to "publicly" negotiate the agreement, without knowing the respective bargaining positions of the parties involved, it's virtually impossible to know who's right and wrong at this time.

Based on his ridiculous proposals in the past, my instincts strongly suggest that it's been Bruno - who can care less about the horsemen, unless they continue to contribute to his political coffers - who has single-handedly been at fault over the past few months. If the sticking point is the composition of the NYRA board, however, I'm a little less sympathetic to NYRA's position if, as reported, the proposed deal will enable NYRA to maintain a majority (11 of 21) of the seats on a reconstituted Board.

sumitas · #10 02-07-2008, 01:09 PM

If Bruno is doing something positive for NY horsemen I think that's a good thing. You don't hear much from NY horsemen and they deserve a big slice of the pie.

blackthroatedwind · #11 02-07-2008, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sumitas

If Bruno is doing something positive for NY horsemen I think that's a good thing. You don't hear much from NY horsemen and they deserve a big slice of the pie.

Since when don't they?

pgiaco · #12 02-07-2008, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sumitas

If Bruno is doing something positive for NY horsemen I think that's a good thing. You don't hear much from NY horsemen and they deserve a big slice of the pie.

If Bruno is doing something positive for NY horsemen I'd like to know what it is. He can start by leaving office.