Fasten your seatbelts

The New York Racing Association issued this ominous notice to horsemen on Wednesday.

“In spite of our efforts to negotiate a long-term agreement with the State of New York, it now appears that a shutdown of racing may occur next Thursday, February 14. As you are aware, NYRA has been operating under two short term franchise extensions that will expire at the end of the racing card on Wednesday, February 13. We do not know if t his closure and cessation of racing will be short lived or long term, but have no recourse but to advise each of you that training at Belmont Park and Aqueduct will cease at the end of training on February 20 and that horsemen and horses will be required to vacate the grounds of both racetracks on February 27.

Training operations and stabling may be extended if a collective decision is reached by horsemen to fund the direct costs of track maintenance and backstretch operation costs for as long as this closure continues. A reduced work force would be kept on by NYRA to support training and stabling operations in that instance. In the event such an arrangement is not forthcoming we will close down backstretch operations and vacate the barns as noted.”

Another notice, issued to employees, specified detail of layoffs and other cutbacks.


Aqueduct: Feb. 7

Race 8: Another Foose