State investigating NYRA takeout issues; Hayward, Kehoe terminated

[postpicker]

NYRA under fire and looks like the landscape of racing in NY will be changing in the future.

ELMONT, N.Y. – C. Steven Duncker, Chairman of The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) Board of Directors, has announced that the NYRA Executive Committee has placed NYRA President and CEO Charles Hayward and NYRA Senior VP and General Counsel Patrick Kehoe on administrative leave without pay, pending further review. The actions follow the April 29 release of the New York State Racing and Wagering Board’s interim report into the matter of incorrect takeout rates at NYRA and a letter to Duncker, also dated April 29, from Robert L. Megna, Chairman of the Franchise Oversight Board.



“NYRA takes the matters identified by the Franchise Oversight Board and the New York State Racing and Wagering Board extremely seriously, “said Duncker. “NYRA will take all appropriate steps and actions to cooperate with the State’s inquiries and insure the integrity of our operations. As part of these efforts, we will respond to Chairman Megna’s letter as requested by May 4th. NYRA has worked diligently over the past number of years to improve the racing and agricultural industries in New York State and enhance its national status as an industry leader, and we will continue with that commitment.”

[Calzone Lord]

Even if he was temporarily stealing from bettors and got caught with his hand in the cookie jar...I liked this Heyward guy a lot and I think ultimately we're way better off with him than your avg guy who gets that position.

I really liked Barry Schwartz a lot. Maybe they can get him back. He was outstanding and tried harder than anyone to get things going in a better direction.

Outside of the real young guy in Canada at Hastings and the guys at Tampa Bay Downs and Charles Town...it's a veritable Dumb and Dumber parade of racings Powers that be. Hopeless.

[Antitrust32]

Originally Posted by Calzone Lord

Even if he was temporarily stealing from bettors and got caught with his hand in the cookie jar...I liked this Heyward guy a lot and I think ultimately we're way better off with him than your avg guy who gets that position.

I really liked Barry Schwartz a lot. Maybe they can get him back. He was outstanding and tried harder than anyone to get things going in a better direction.

Outside of the real young guy in Canada at Hastings and the guys at Tampa Bay Downs and Charles Town...it's a veritable Dumb and Dumber parade of racings Powers that be. Hopeless.

Raj?

even if he was temporarily stealing from bettors and got caught with his hand in the cookie jar...I liked this Heyward guy a lot.

[Bigsmc]

Originally Posted by Antitrust32

Raj?

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[pointman]

I am not one to jump to conclusions based upon allegations and I have been a supporter of NYRA, but if this is true, this is a real slap in the face to loyal NYRA customers. Ed Fountaine has this piece in the NY Post today.

http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/horse...W51oB3IxYSakbN

[Gaelic Storm]

The part of this that I want ot know more about is this:

"We originally had thought that we would announce this for Saratoga but political forces intervened."

Who are the political forces and what did they know and when. I would like to see Hayward come out swinging bit I am thinking he will fall on the sword.

[The Bid]

How is Hayward going to come out swinging. He cannot even control his own racing office. They all need to be fired