The New York Racing Association (NYRA) Reorganization Board of Directors held
its inaugural meeting in Manhattan on Wednesday, officially ushering in a new
era of leadership, accountability and transparency for the operator of three of
New York’s Thoroughbred racetracks.
The Reorganization Board addressed a series of issues regarding ethics and
transparency policies, equine health and safety matters, regulatory oversight,
financial issues and proposed racing schedules.
“Today’s meeting signifies a renewed focus of making New York’s Thoroughbred
horse racing a model for the rest of the nation, including an emphasis on equine
health and safety,” Board Chair David Skorton said. “My colleagues on the
Reorganization Board are committed to learning from each other and the public
and to working with NYRA management to better serve the horse racing industry
and its fans. As we did with today’s meeting, the Board will continue to work in
an open, accountable and effective manner, as NYRA is an integral and important
part of New York’s culture and part of what makes our state a national leader in
so many areas.”
The Reorganization Board formally elected Cornell University President David
Skorton as Chair; approved a new mission statement with a focus on equine
safety; approved the naming of Michael Kotlikoff VMD, PhD as Special Advisor to
the Board for Equine Health and Safety; issued policies regarding political
contributions, wagering and other matters by NYRA personnel and Directors;
approved a portion of the proposed 2013 NYRA racing calendar and stakes
schedule; and heard proposals on NYRA’s involvement with next year’s Saratoga
150th Anniversary Celebration.
In addition, the Reorganization Board, approved a proposal that NYRA will
conduct business subject to compliance with the New York’s Open Meetings Law and
Freedom of Information Law. NYRA’s Law Department was instructed to make trade
secret declarations under FOIL.
The Reorganization Board also undertook a series of ethics and compliance
matters, including:
and NYRA officers
Action Committee”
Disclosure by Officers and Directors, and Anti-Money Laundering policies
The Board also:
All materials discussed and reviewed during the Reorganization Board’s first
meeting, including a list of Board members, bylaws, ethics measures, full
committee memberships and more are available at
www.nyra.com/boardmeetings/index.shtml.
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