Slots

I think that I live in the most amazing state--New York. Where else can a relatively straightforward task of building a slots casino at a racetrack prove to be an impossible task? Why is it that only here can this prove to be an impossible job? The governor picks a group with ties to felons, political hacks and just general misfits. Then, he pulls the plug when anyone objects.

Couple this unbelievable tale of incompetance with the news of what New Jersey will do this summer and you may see the beginning of the end of New York racing. New Jersey is expected to have a daily purse average of $1,000,000 a day. New York will be lucky to have enough horses to run four days a week. Welcome to the minor leagues, New York racing fans. Well, it is time to fight back.

It is time to get racing back on the right track. The first thing to do is to eliminate the payments to Yonkers raceway from OTB. They are required to kick in many millions a year because of the negative impact night thoroughbred simulcasting was to have on Yonkers. It is time for the slots racinos to subsidize thoroughbred racing. Forget about slots at Aqueduct. Turn Yonkers into a full scale casino and split the proceeds between harness and thoroughbred racing.

Next, close Aqueduct. Utilize Belmont from April 15 to October 31 each year with time out for the Saratoga meeting. No thoroughbred racing would be conducted in New York from November 1 thru April 14. Let the thoroughbred portion of the profits from Yonkers accrue and increase daily purses at NYRA.

The sport of kings must have a season with a beginning and an end. Do you see the NBA playing year round? Does NASCAR?

Forget the private interests and due what is right for both racing in New York and for the state itself.