NYRA Screws Up Again!
Jun 23, 2015 14:31:53 GMT -5
Post by cait on Jun 23, 2015 14:31:53 GMT -5
Tradition? Someone please explain the word to Kay. He's really so racing stupid - doesn't get the sport, the people - nada - Hope Mary Lou corners him lol NYRA has tons of $ (look at Kay's salary for starters!) so that's a truly stupid excuse - i really think andy (sorry he hasn't earned a "governor" title!) directive has been to ruin NY racing so he has the excuse to direct funds to his casino pals - he's totally self aggrandizing and worries only about his "record" - kay's comment that they do a lot for fans is hilarious - tell that to the 20-40K who couldn't get in to see TC history! (l'il ole hilltop hosted 130K but big ole belmont couldn't? lolol)
NYRA scratches pre-meet open house at Saratoga Race Course
The Saratogian
SARATOGA SPRINGS >> The 2015 Saratoga Race Course meet is just over a month away and the New York Racing Association is already in hot water.
The firm unilaterally pulled the plug on this year’s track open house, a more than 30-year tradition that gives fans free admission to non-wagering races and various forms of entertainment.
John Hendrickson, Governor Andrew Cuomo’s advisor to the NYRA board on Saratoga issues, is irate that he wasn’t consulted about the move.
“How can I advise if I’m not in the process?” said Hendrickson, immediately after NYRA’s pre-meet press conference on Monday. “I would have like to be involved in the decision. That was Saratoga’s day. It was to introduce the community to what we’re doing, to showcase to locals this is your track. I’ve said before, Saratoga is the people’s track.” Hendrickson, Marylou Whitney’s husband, said he was informed about the cancellation on Saturday in a phone call from NYRA President and CEO Chris Kay.
I don’t like being caught off guard,” he said.
Kay said last year’s open house wasn’t heavily attended and didn’t generate much revenue for the non-profit groups that took part. Also, it’s difficult to get trainers and owners to agree to let horses run in exhibition races, with the risk of injury and no financial reward.
And the open house cost NYRA money to organize and put on.
“If somebody wants to come in and be a sponsor that would be great,” said Kay, adding that the event could be resurrected next year if there is sufficient interest.
Hendrickson said the open house had attracted more than 15,000 people many years.
Last year, he blasted NYRA for raising parking prices. Eliminating the open house is another way NYRA is distancing itself from fans when it should be trying to build interest, in the face of attendance that isn’t growing, he said.
But Kay said, “I do think we do a lot of things to expose racing (to fans).”
NYRA is expanding a season ticket program with Stewart’s Shops as a way to increase attendance, he said.
In addition, a series of “family Monday” programs are designed to make the track more fan friendly and give local non-profits a chance to raise revenue. NYRA has also introduced new events such as an annual “Red Jacket” ceremony that honors racing heroes, with a chance for fans to interact with these legends of the sport, Kay said.
Hendrickson said he’s unsure if the open house will be a topic for discussion during Wednesday’s NYRA board meeting, the first since new Chairman Michael Del Giudice took over. He replaces, at least temporarily, Anthony J. Bonomo who stepped aside shortly before the June 6 Belmont Stakes when it was revealed that his firm allegedly gave a lucrative no-show job to the son of former state Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos.
While Bonomo has not been charged with any wrongdoing, the situation would have no doubt distracted NYRA from taking care of important business decisions.
During Monday’s press conference, Kay announced that Whitney is one of two prominent owners scheduled to take their place in Saratoga’s “Walk of Fame” on Friday. Aug. 28, the day before the $1.25 million, Grade 1 Travers Stakes. Kay lauded Whitney for the millions of dollars she and Hendrickson have donated to philanthropic causes in Saratoga Springs, and for her great support of the racing industry.
Phipps Stable owner Ogden Mills “Dinny” Phipps will also be inducted.
NYRA scratches pre-meet open house at Saratoga Race Course
The Saratogian
SARATOGA SPRINGS >> The 2015 Saratoga Race Course meet is just over a month away and the New York Racing Association is already in hot water.
The firm unilaterally pulled the plug on this year’s track open house, a more than 30-year tradition that gives fans free admission to non-wagering races and various forms of entertainment.
John Hendrickson, Governor Andrew Cuomo’s advisor to the NYRA board on Saratoga issues, is irate that he wasn’t consulted about the move.
“How can I advise if I’m not in the process?” said Hendrickson, immediately after NYRA’s pre-meet press conference on Monday. “I would have like to be involved in the decision. That was Saratoga’s day. It was to introduce the community to what we’re doing, to showcase to locals this is your track. I’ve said before, Saratoga is the people’s track.” Hendrickson, Marylou Whitney’s husband, said he was informed about the cancellation on Saturday in a phone call from NYRA President and CEO Chris Kay.
I don’t like being caught off guard,” he said.
Kay said last year’s open house wasn’t heavily attended and didn’t generate much revenue for the non-profit groups that took part. Also, it’s difficult to get trainers and owners to agree to let horses run in exhibition races, with the risk of injury and no financial reward.
And the open house cost NYRA money to organize and put on.
“If somebody wants to come in and be a sponsor that would be great,” said Kay, adding that the event could be resurrected next year if there is sufficient interest.
Hendrickson said the open house had attracted more than 15,000 people many years.
Last year, he blasted NYRA for raising parking prices. Eliminating the open house is another way NYRA is distancing itself from fans when it should be trying to build interest, in the face of attendance that isn’t growing, he said.
But Kay said, “I do think we do a lot of things to expose racing (to fans).”
NYRA is expanding a season ticket program with Stewart’s Shops as a way to increase attendance, he said.
In addition, a series of “family Monday” programs are designed to make the track more fan friendly and give local non-profits a chance to raise revenue. NYRA has also introduced new events such as an annual “Red Jacket” ceremony that honors racing heroes, with a chance for fans to interact with these legends of the sport, Kay said.
Hendrickson said he’s unsure if the open house will be a topic for discussion during Wednesday’s NYRA board meeting, the first since new Chairman Michael Del Giudice took over. He replaces, at least temporarily, Anthony J. Bonomo who stepped aside shortly before the June 6 Belmont Stakes when it was revealed that his firm allegedly gave a lucrative no-show job to the son of former state Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos.
While Bonomo has not been charged with any wrongdoing, the situation would have no doubt distracted NYRA from taking care of important business decisions.
During Monday’s press conference, Kay announced that Whitney is one of two prominent owners scheduled to take their place in Saratoga’s “Walk of Fame” on Friday. Aug. 28, the day before the $1.25 million, Grade 1 Travers Stakes. Kay lauded Whitney for the millions of dollars she and Hendrickson have donated to philanthropic causes in Saratoga Springs, and for her great support of the racing industry.
Phipps Stable owner Ogden Mills “Dinny” Phipps will also be inducted.
