Tuesday, July 11, 2006

As reported by the New York Times Union: " Saratoga Race Course will remain
the same, while Belmont Park will have video lottery terminals and retail
space under the New York Racing Association's plans for winning renewal of
its state franchise. "With the opening of the track's summer meet less than
three weeks away, NYRA President Charles Hayward briefed the Saratoga County
Racing Committee Thursday on what's happening in the bids for running the
Saratoga, Belmont and Aqueduct tracks. He also urged the county supervisors
to lobby state leaders on the equine industry's importance to the local
economy. "Sitting in a trackside conference room as workers prepared the
track grounds for the July 26 opening, Hayward lobbied the supervisors,
explaining that NYRA still is the best option for operating the three tracks
and keeping the local horse industry strong.

".The VLTs at Aqueduct and those proposed for Belmont will provide a revenue
stream. Hayward said Belmont's spacious grandstand could house VLTs as well
as unspecified retail operations.

"NYRA's plan also looks at partnering with the state's off-track betting
corporations or buying them outright."