NYRA Extension Seems to be Confirmed

According to a source familiar with closed-door negotiations between Governor Spitzer's office and the state Senate and Assembly, a deal is firming up that will extend the franchise NYRA has held since 1955 for another 30 years, as the governor has strongly advocated.

A move we believe may be the best thing for Elmont with the appropriate oversight. Our State Senator Craig Johnson has been named to the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee and we hope he will fight to protect what the surrounding residents of the Belmont Park want.

Johnson said that past events have shown the need for any final franchise agreement to include specific language that spells out what the track's relationship with the communities will be, and how residents will be able to benefit. He continued, "I hope that this appointment will bring these communities one step closer toward having an iron-clad agreement with the track that is backed by the full force of the law."

We are glad that some representatives in Elmont feel the same concern as we have. Assembly Speaker Shelly Silver has been adamant all along that there be no VLTs at Belmont, and that appears to prevail. While details remain fuzzy, that NYRA is all but assured the uninterrupted franchise should come as a great relief to the state's billion-dollar thoroughbred industry.