State gives NYRA additional temporary extension

“Hopefully this means they (the state and NYRA) are close to a resolution,” Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce President Joseph Dalton said of the new extension. “It doesn’t eliminate the fear that many people have, that horse racing is in jeopardy in New York and Saratoga Springs.”

The temporary agreement between NYRA and the state ends on Feb. 13. NYRA’s contract to run Aqueduct, Belmont and Saratoga Race Course expired as of Jan. 1, 2008. The first arrangement between the two parties was supposed to run up on Feb. 23, but was extended two days earlier.

Dalton said he fears racing will be put on the back burner with the state budget probably taking up a lot of time for politicians.

“It is critical Senator Bruno puts this on a front burner because we can’t continue to live in never-never land,” Dalton said. “This should’ve been resolved by Dec. 31.”

With three months until training at the Oklahoma track is supposed to begin. If a deal isn’t in place, Dalton said not having training will be a loss of millions of dollars. He said training normally brings 900 horses to the grounds of Saratoga Race Course.

The upcoming season for Saratoga Race Course will run July 23 through Labor Day.

Dalton said hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts have called on the lack of advanced bookings for the summer season, as it stands this time of year.

Dalton said hopefully discussions have been continuing throughout the first extension and the state and NYRA are closer to a deal.

Dawn Oesch, president of the Downtown Business Association, said she was more confused by the newest extension for NYRA.

“If they are going to keep NYRA on board, then give them an extension for the whole year,” she said.

She said having nothing decided keeps many businesses in limbo for the racing season. She said some retailers have already ordered the season’s merchandise, but others aren’t sure how much to order because of the uncertainity.

She said you have to keep a weary eye on things.

“We want the right decision made,” Oesch said. “If you can’t come up with a long-term solution, give this short-term, one year solution to NYRA.”

With three weeks until the latest extension is up, Oesch said she wouldn’t be surprised if another new extension is made.

“These short-term solutions are only putting a band-aid on it,” she said.

Oesch said not having racing in Saratoga will definitely affect businesses locally, but also affect the Capital District and the state.

“This is not a little problem for Saratoga Springs, but a huge problem for New York state,” she said.

Oesch said all DBA members, as well as all Saratogians, need to know when the time comes to speak up together in one voice.