Larkin Announces Racing Hearing Speakers

Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson) and Assemblyman J. Gary Pretlow (D-Mt.Vernon/Yonkers), Chairmen of the Senate and Assembly Standing Committees on Racing, Gaming & Wagering will conduct a Joint Legislative Hearing on Tuesday, May 17, 2005 from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM in the Van Buren Hearing Room (A) on the second floor of the Legislative Office Building.

Topic: The Future of Horse Racing in New York State.

Those testifying include: Michael Hoblock, Chairman of the New York State Racing & Wagering Board; Charles E. Hayward, President of the New York Racing Association; Tim Smith, President of Friends of New York Racing, Inc.; Jack Knowlton, Managing Partner of Sackatoga Stable; and Bennett Liebman of the Racing Program at Albany Law School.

Also speaking will be Raymond Casey President of New York City OTB; Robert Flynn, Executive Director of New York Thoroughbred Horsemen; Robert Brooks, Executive Director of Harness Horse Breeders of New York State; Jeff Williams of New York Farm Bureau; Barry Ostrager, President of New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc.; Dennis Brida, Executive Director of New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc.; Larry Aaronson President of Nassau County OTB; Joseph Faraldo of the Standardbred Owners Association; Bruce Tubin of Western New York Harness Horsemen; Jeff Gregory of Yonkers Raceway; and Alice Allen, private owner and breeder of harness horses.

Testimony will cover the following topics: Recommendations to the Legislature on ways to improve conditions and make horse racing more viable in New York State; the management of the state’s racing franchise Issues affecting the Standardbred and Thoroughbred racing industries; Factors impeding the success of horse racing in New York State; The decrease in handle on in-state races; and Gaming in surrounding states as direct competition to New York racing operations.

Anyone with questions concerning this hearing can contact Senator Larkin’s office at (518) 455-2770, or Assemblyman Pretlow’s office at (518) 455- 5291.