Relates to reducing the minimum number of required racing days at franchised tracks

BILL NUMBER:S3793

Title of bill

An act to amend the racing, pari-mutuel wagering and breeding law, in relation to days of racing

Purpose

This bill would provide flexibility to reduce racing dates on the inner track at Aqueduct to limit injuries to horses and riders by reducing the minimum days of racing during the winter meet at Aqueduct racetrack from ninety-five to seventy-five.

Summary of provisions

Section 1: Amends paragraph (d) of subdivision 1 of section 238 of the Racing, Pari-Mutuel Wagering and Breeding Law to reduce the minimum number of days of racing during the winter meet at Aqueduct racetrack from ninety-five to seventy-five.

Section 2: Effective date.

Justification

The inner dirt track at Aqueduct that is used for winter racing has experienced a higher rate of injuries to horses and jockeys than any other track operated by the New York Racing Association (NYRA) and there have been six breakdowns on the inner track thus far this winter. The New York State Racing and Wagering Board gave approval on January 31, 2013 to NYRA's request to eliminate six winter racing days in the interest of limiting the exposure of horses to winter racing. This legislation conforms with and supplements this recent approval.

Legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications

Minimal to State.

Effective date

This act shall take effect February 1, 2013.