- More reports this morning about a possible franchise agreement. The Schenectady Gazette says that a resolution is very close to approval.
“It could happen tonight, it could happen tomorrow,” said horse trainer Richard Violette, president of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association.If no one is happy, that probably means that it's a reasonable compromise. Saratoga's mayor Scott Johnson spoke as if the whole ordeal is already in the past. “The process has gone on too long....Now we can put this behind us.” But perhaps we should all wait for an official announcement, as we've been down this path before.
Violette referred to discussions he had Wednesday with state Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, R-Brunswick, and others.
“It looks like there will be racing,” Violette said. “But nobody is particularly happy about everything.” [Schenectady Gazette]
3 Comments:
If they are thisclose why is NYRA sending out layoff notifications?
Perhaps they are one of the unhappy parties?
Violette has been quoted all over the place, hope he is as active at the table fighting for the horsemens' share of the pie.
His job is to get the best deal possible for his constiutancy long term, not just to assure there will be no interruption of racing this winter, which is the only subject on which he is ever quoted.
Have to agree that the horsemen have been strangely compliant, and virtually silent about the low percentage of VLT revenues to be devoted to purses.
What choice do the horsemen have? If NYRA is given the franchise, then the horsemen are reliant upon the graces of management for stall assignments. History illustrates NYRA can be vindictive. Secondly, nothing in the Spitzer proposal indicates that NYRA will be required to have a written agreement with the horsemen on simulcasting, as required by federal law for every other racetrack in the United States. Thus, they have no leverage.
They go along to get along. What's their option?
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