The New York Racing Association (NYRA) has reached an agreement with the
oversight board and the state to continue racing at Aqueduct on a temporary
basis through February 13, 2008. The agreement mirrors the one signed on
December 31, 2007, that extended racing at the NYRA tracks through January 23,
2008.
NYRA said Governor Eliot Spitzer and Steven Newman, chairman of the oversight
board, were instrumental in extending the temporary agreement.
“While we are disappointed that a final resolution has not been reached, we
appreciate the diligent efforts of the Spitzer administration,” NYRA Chairman C.
Steven Duncker said in a statement. “The latest temporary agreement provides the
necessary time to enact legislation granting a long-term racing franchise.”
Thoroughbred industry stakeholders in the state are relieved that racing at
Aqueduct will not be interrupted for the next few weeks, and many eagerly await
the awarding of a long-term racing franchise.