N.Y. racing official calls for meeting of NYRA stakeholders

The chairman of the New York State Gaming Commission called for a meeting “to re-examine the relationship of all the stakeholders” in the New York Racing Association.

Brian O’Dwyer remarks came during Monday’s commission meeting and follow state approval of a $455 million loan to NYRA for renovation of Belmont Park.

He said the stakeholders include “this commission, the Thoroughbred Fund, the Department of Agriculture, tourism, the unions, the trainers, the breeders and the backstretch workers.”

The meeting would be held “with the view to developing a comprehensive plan for the future of both Saratoga and Belmont to maximize both the facilities and the future of both racetracks to the advantages of all,” he said.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve recognized or established or examined our relationships within the state of New York, considering the considerable interaction between all that we do.”

He said a date would be set at a future time.

The plan calls for NYRA to replace the Belmont Park grandstand and clubhouse, among other improvements. The track would be able to host racing year-round, meaning Aqueduct would be closed and its 110 acres, owned by the state, could be developed for other purposes.

Among the ideas proposed for while Belmont is closed for renovations is moving the 2025 Belmont Stakes to Saratoga.