Relates to extending certain provisions of law relating to the New York state thoroughbred breeding and development fund

Summary of provisions

Section 1 would amend section 2 of chapter 473 of the laws of 2010 which amend the racing, pari-mutuel wagering and breeding law to allow the New York State Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund to continue to receive its funds on a quarterly basis for an additional year. The bill would also allow the Fund to maintain, for an additional year, the changes that were made to its authorized disbursements of awards to breeders, promotion, and administration of the Fund.

Section 2 would amend the opening paragraph of section 228 of the Racing, Pari-Mutuel Wagering and Breeding Law.to extend, for one year, the authorization for the horsemen's organization to receive an additional 1.0% of purse monies collected from race meetings at Aqueduct, Saratoga, and Belmont racetracks until August 31, 2012.

Section 3 provides that the act would take effect immediately.

Existing law

The current authorization for the horsemen to receive an additional 1.0% of purse monies is due to expire on August 31, 2011. The current authorization for the Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund is due to expire upon commencement of the operation of a video lottery facility at Aqueduct Racetrack.

Justification

For over half a century, the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA) has represented the interests of horse owners and trainers at New York Racing Association (NYRA) tracks. NYTHA was founded with the objective of serving as a collective voice for the broad interests of Thoroughbred owners and trainers and to

improve and increase the effectiveness, Of its constituents in the day-to-day activities of racing. Today, NYTHA serves as the New York State Racing and Wagering Board's (NYSRWE) recognized representative of owners and, trainers and has taken a primary role in the New York horseracing industry. NYTHA strives to protect the economic interest of all horsemen and to gain public recognition of horse racing as a vital form of entertainment, deserving support, protection and preservation. In the past, additional purse monies received by NYTHA have been used to provide funding support for the Equine Drug Testing program. This bill would also allow the organization to continue providing much needed health and dental benefits for backstretch employees. Likewise, The New York State Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund, established in 1973, has helped shape the New York State thoroughbred industry , making it the benchmark of thoroughbred programs around the world. For over two decades, the Fund has worked to make thoroughbred breeding and racing a vital force in New York State's economy, utilizing its rich racing tradition, vast agricultural resources, and thriving tourism industry. The Fund is a public benefit corporation that oversees the registration process for foals and stallions, and distributes incentives awards to breeders, owners, and stallion owners. The incentives provided by the Fund are financed from within the racing industry, using a small percentage of the total monies wagered through the pari-mutuel system, on thoroughbred racing in New York State.

Thoroughbred Breeders use this funding to invest back into breeding, thereby keeping that money in the local economy and creating more jobs, and strengthening the horse racing industry in New York.

Prior legislative history

Similar bills supporting this program have been passed in recent years.

Fiscal implications

None noted.

Effective date

Immediate.