Spitzer Has New Plan To Keep Tracks In NYRA's Hands

Gov. Spitzer Has New Propsal  For New York Tracks

New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer has a proposal “that would keep horse racing in the hands of [NYRA], but would give one of the three private groups bidding on the state’s horse racing franchise control over future casino gambling operations,” according to Danny Hakim of the N.Y. TIMES. Richard Rifkin, special counsel to Spitzer, is expected to meet today with the three private bidders -- Excelsior Racing, Empire Racing and Capital Play -- about the proposal. Spitzer’s aides said that the plan “would also seek an overhaul of the troubled association’s board and management.” As part of the proposal, the administration is also “considering shutting down” Aqueduct (N.Y. TIMES, 6/8). But in N.Y., Fredric Dicker writes the plan “does not call for halting racing operations at Aqueduct, at least not yet.” A source said, “It would be premature to say the governor is recommending shutting Aqueduct” (N.Y. POST, 6/8).