Gov. Cuomo at the Belmont?

[Ocala Mike]

Given the political turmoil, does he make an appearance at the Belmont as other Govs. have in the past? Does he use the opportunity to slam NYRA some more publically?

Also, it'll be interesting to see how much of the "drama" is covered by the national media, if any, in the days leading up to what figures to be a huge day for NY racing.

[Shemp Howard]

I don't recall him showing up last year.

[Saratoga_Mike]

Of course he'll be there. No, he won't slam NYRA.

[Tom]

Tomatoes!
Git yer day old tomatoes he-ya!
Don't go to the Belmont wit out yer day old tomatoes!


If he goes, y'all make him him feel real welcome.
I'll send you a nifty little chant if you need one! :cool:

[Indulto]

Given the political turmoil, does he make an appearance at the Belmont as other Govs. have in the past? Does he use the opportunity to slam NYRA some more publically?

Also, it'll be interesting to see how much of the "drama" is covered by the national media, if any, in the days leading up to what figures to be a huge day for NY racing.This is an opportunity for the Governor and NYRA to put their differences behnd them and move forward together in the wake of necessary changes. NYRA would need to become more transparent for that to occur. If NYRA instead continues its defensive posture led by their damage control lawyer, the opportunity will be wasted.

On the Governor's side, the state must make clear what their oversight role entails, and whether or not they have frustrated -- and will continue to frustrate -- efforts by NYRA to lower takeout. If New York's takeout is expected to continuing exceeding that of Kentucky, then it should be the Governor who explains why and takes responsibility for pursuing that course.

[bishlap]

Of course he'll be there, someone has to feed the horses Sandra Lee leftovers

[Ont.Bred]

The Gov. will be there of course, but he will be cordial. That's it, he's smart enough not to get into a peeing match on a potential Triple Crown.


Remember the quote "if you put lipstick on a pig, it's still a pig" well that's what they will be doing on Belmont Day...

And this pig will be stinking for a while still.

[OTM Al]

The Gov. will be there of course, but he will be cordial. That's it, he's smart enough not to get into a peeing match on a potential Triple Crown.


Remember the quote "if you put lipstick on a pig, it's still a pig" well that's what they will be doing on Belmont Day...

And this pig will be stinking for a while still.

I don't like the Governor, but calling him a pig isn't very nice.

[Robert Goren]

It would be chance for NYRA to show the governor that they could pull it off without a hitch. After all that has happened in the last year, NYRA needs to have things go right on their big day. Showing the governor up close that they know what they are doing couldn't hurt their cause.

[Grits]

Given the political turmoil, does he make an appearance at the Belmont as other Govs. have in the past? Does he use the opportunity to slam NYRA some more publically?

Also, it'll be interesting to see how much of the "drama" is covered by the national media, if any, in the days leading up to what figures to be a huge day for NY racing.

No, he wouldn't do this. He wouldn't be caught sitting in a box on the finish line, spreading the news at this event. He'd look and sound like the biggest hypocrite in the state of New York.

"Governor, why are you here at today's Belmont Stakes", asked New Times sports writer, Joe Drape.

No. It wouldn't be the time, it wouldn't be the place, and he knows it. (One can only pray that he's not this stupid.) Doesn't matter how great his political aspirations.

[Tom]

It would be chance for NYRA to show the governor that they could pull it off without a hitch. After all that has happened in the last year, NYRA needs to have things go right on their big day. Showing the governor up close that they know what they are doing couldn't hurt their cause.


They have been doing that for decades.
Just what have they EVER screwed up?????

And btw, the Governor doesn't give a crap how good they are - he want them out of the way....period. they could be curing cancer between races and negotiating peace in the middle east in the walking ring.....he wants them out of the way.

....and if he squeals like a pig, and acts like a pig........screw "nice." Screw him.

It is an insult to racing fans is he puts his filthy feet on the grounds.I would stand all day in horse poop to bet races, but in would not walk in his footsteps.

[therussmeister]

I don't like the Governor, but calling him a pig isn't very nice.
I assumed he was calling NYRA a pig.

[Canarsie]

No, he wouldn't do this. He wouldn't be caught sitting in a box on the finish line, spreading the news at this event. He'd look and sound like the biggest hypocrite in the state of New York.

"Governor, why are you here at today's Belmont Stakes", asked New Times sports writer, Joe Drape.

No. It wouldn't be the time, it wouldn't be the place, and he knows it. (One can only pray that he's not this stupid.) Doesn't matter how great his political aspirations.

Have to disagree with you Grits. This a golden opportunity for free name recognition across the country. Ratings will be the highest in decades due to the fact that a Triple Crown can be won. if IHA wins it will be at it's peak right when the presentation is given.

It wouldn't surprise me if Cuomo said he is a great friend and ally he is of NYS racing. Trust me that NO ONE will challenge him if he does it.

I'm pretty sure they won't let Drape or his kind near the winners circle while he is there.

[Grits]

It wouldn't surprise me if Cuomo said he is a great friend and ally he is of NYS racing. Trust me that NO ONE will challenge him if he does it.

Well, honey, that would be wrong. Just wrong on all levels. I'd yell from my seat.

YOU LYING S.O.B. ! :lol:

Then I'd get tossed by security. I couldn't collect on my late double. I could lose money! Then, I'd REALLY swear.

I'd be hopeless in the back of a Nassau County squad car, don't think my cryin' and my Southern accent would do a bit of good.:lol:

[Storm Cadet]

Don't worry Grits, just hold onto your voucher, good for months till you get out of Nassau's jail system. Don't let some guard hold it for you. :lol:

[Dahoss9698]

I doubt he shows up either....but if he does he won't be fielding any tough questions from the likes of Drape. Unless of course it can help further Drape's smearing of the sport.

[OTM Al]

I assumed he was calling NYRA a pig.

So did I.

[Ocala Mike]

This is an opportunity for the Governor and NYRA to put their differences behnd them and move forward together in the wake of necessary changes. NYRA would need to become more transparent for that to occur. If NYRA instead continues its defensive posture led by their damage control lawyer, the opportunity will be wasted.

On the Governor's side, the state must make clear what their oversight role entails, and whether or not they have frustrated -- and will continue to frustrate -- efforts by NYRA to lower takeout. If New York's takeout is expected to continuing exceeding that of Kentucky, then it should be the Governor who explains why and takes responsibility for pursuing that course.



Sharp post; to quote the bard, "'tis a consummation devoutly to be wished."

[Canarsie]

Well, honey, that would be wrong. Just wrong on all levels. I'd yell from my seat.

YOU LYING S.O.B. ! :lol:

Then I'd get tossed by security. I couldn't collect on my late double. I could lose money! Then, I'd REALLY swear.

I'd be hopeless in the back of a Nassau County squad car, don't think my cryin' and my Southern accent would do a bit of good.:lol:

Grits if that happens an old time Brooklyn boy couldn't let a pretty southern belle rot in a Nassau county jail. I'd bail you out in a minute.

[Indulto]

Sharp post; to quote the bard, "'tis a consummation devoutly to be wished."Glad you agree, OM.

This year’s Belmont offers an opportunity for horseplayers to get national attention for their concerns if done in a manner supportive of racing; particularly in New York. Imagine several groups of 50 players, each in a T-shirt whose color would be associated with a specific issue addressed in the lettering, e.g., green for lower takeout. No active demonstrations, just answering questions of those who ask which would hopefully include the press. A T-shirt telling the Governor that customers support a transparent, progressive, customer-friendly NYRA to keep putting on the show might be effective in getting both sides to work together better in the future – even if the Governor is a no-show.

[Tom]

How about a massive crowd show up, wearing whatever they fell like wearing, betting races and having a good time?

Isn't THAT the image of racing we all want projected?

50 people wearing green shirts.....Kenny Mayne will comment that the O'Mally's are here today. :rolleyes:

[Grits]

..... MOI, IN JAIL, OH LORD! Just the very thought. :faint:

Canarsie, you're a good guy. I'd call you, I'd call Storm Cadet, I'd call any of you. Maybe I need to start collecting phone numbers. Either that, or plan on going to the ladies room (one with a long line) when the governor starts lying. :lol:

[Indulto]

How about a massive crowd show up, wearing whatever they fell like wearing, betting races and having a good time?

Isn't THAT the image of racing we all want projected?

50 people wearing green shirts.....Kenny Mayne will comment that the O'Mally's are here today. :rolleyes:I don't see communicating with government/management and having a good time as mutually exclusive.

[Tom]

When the state has already given you the finger, you are wasting your time.

[Indulto]

When the state has already given you the finger, you are wasting your time.Who gave horselayers the finger by not implementing the sunset provision for more than a year?

If you're unwilling to try and make things better, that's your prerogative, but why don't you want others to try?

[PaceAdvantage]

Who gave horselayers the finger by not implementing the sunset provision for more than a year?

If you're unwilling to try and make things better, that's your prerogative, but why don't you want others to try?Because it's a dumbass idea.

Color coded t-shirts...come on man...really?

Maybe we should get some weed and stage a sit-in or maybe an "Occupy Winner's Circle" while we're at it...what a grand ol' time that would be... :rolleyes:

[Indulto]

Because it's a dumbass idea.

Color coded t-shirts...come on man...really?

Maybe we should get some weed and stage a sit-in or maybe an "Occupy Winner's Circle" while we're at it...what a grand ol' time that would be... :rolleyes:What an inspiring response!

If you have a better idea, let’s hear it. If not, just keep bending over for the politicians and racing executives who must laugh when they read how little concern exists with regard to their malfeasance.

I have no experience with the substance you suggest, but I understand it is not unusual for those who do to have little concern for anything at all. Peaceful demonstrations can be effective, and visual stimuli are often useful for getting a message out.

[Robert Goren]

Because it's a dumbass idea.

Color coded t-shirts...come on man...really?

Maybe we should get some weed and stage a sit-in or maybe an "Occupy Winner's Circle" while we're at it...what a grand ol' time that would be... :rolleyes:Not that I would support the t-shirt sit-in, but exactly how do you think we as racing fan make our views that the takeout mix up is unacceptable?

[lamboguy]

Not that I would support the t-shirt sit-in, but exactly how do you think we as racing fan make our views that the takeout mix up is unacceptable?
you have the opportunity not to show up to a race track and not bet your money on races. that would speak much louder than words, and sitins

[NTamm1215]

Not that I would support the t-shirt sit-in, but exactly how do you think we as racing fan make our views that the takeout mix up is unacceptable?

Don't bet on NYRA and continue bloviating on message boards. Something tells me this will be extremely easy for you.

[fouroneone]

:bang:

[iceknight]

I don't like the Governor, but calling him a pig isn't very nice.
That guy Ont.bred, has no problem calling others names from the anonymity of the internet but gets all upset if he is called Canuck Bred by someone else..

[bks]

you have the opportunity not to show up to a race track and not bet your money on races. that would speak much louder than words, and sitins

But lambo: this is precisely what has been happening for going on four decades now in the US. You can't wake someone up who pretends to be asleep.

You have to treat him like he's wide awake, and presently doesn't give a damn what you think.

[Robert Goren]

Don't bet on NYRA and continue bloviating on message boards. Something tells me this will be extremely easy for you.People have been betting races in NY and other places in decreasing numbers for years. Yet the powers that be have refused to listen. Why do you think race tracks need slot money? At this rate pretty soon, every race track will turn into PID. That will make the horse people happy. Lots of purse money and very few handicappers to put with. Sorry, I will not go quietly into the night. I like this game too much to just to stand by and see it destroyed by the people running it today.

[NTamm1215]

People have been betting races in NY and other places in decreasing numbers for years. Yet the powers that be have refused to listen. Why do you think race tracks need slot money? At this rate pretty soon, every race track will turn into PID. That will make the horse people happy. Lots of purse money and very few handicappers to put with. Sorry, I will not go quietly into the night. I like this game too much to just to stand by and see it destroyed by the people running it today.

You'll have to mobilize your band of malcontents with more fervor, as NYRA is up over 5% for the meet despite having abysmal weather to this point.

[Robert Goren]

You'll have to mobilize your band of malcontents with more fervor, as NYRA is up over 5% for the meet despite having abysmal weather to this point. Good for them. Then they won't miss the slot money when the governor takes it away. Yeah, right! The political reality is that the slot money money is not going to be there very longer no matter who is the governor of NY. NYRA had better get it act together if it is going to survive in the post slot money era. In the long run the only thing that putting slots at NY race tracks is put the fox (a competitor for the gambling dollar) in the hen house. If NY racing fans aren't careful, one morning they will wake up and find casinos where the race tracks used to be and they want to bet a race, that race will be piped in from Florida or California. It is up to the operators of the race tracks to make sure that doesn't happen. I really don't know what we as racing fan can do to push them in the right direction. That is what I was asking in the original post. I know the path they are on now will eventually end this game I like so much. Notice I said game and not sport. It is the betting game I like. I could care less about the sport if I couldn't bet on it. As a non betting sport it is right up there Lacrosse.

[PaceAdvantage]

seriously...where do you come up with your material? No racing in NY one day when I wake up one morning? Never going to happen, unless racing is banned by the Federal gov't

[Robert Goren]

seriously...where do you come up with your material? No racing in NY one day when I wake up one morning? Never going to happen, unless racing is banned by the Federal gov't You are right. Horse racing in NY will probably not going away completely. What it will look like is open to debate however.
I think the Casinos in NY once they get up and running are going to produce money beyond everybody's wildest dreams. If NY racing can somehow keep the slot money( and I think that is unlikely), you could see 250k MSW races. I think it will produce that kind of money. The casinos however will put a serious hurting on NY racing's on-site customer base or at least that has been history of where ever casinos have opened. If NY racing doesn't keep some of the slot money, you will see a lot different kind of racing in NY than they currently have. I saw casinos a 150 miles away bring down Aksarben. People underestimate how many customers that a casino takes from a race track.
Show me one place where race tracks and casinos operate side by side and the race track doesn't get a cut of the casino profits. NJ is the only place I can think of and it is still open book whether racing will make it there.

[David-LV]

You are right. Horse racing in NY will probably not going away completely. What it will look like is open to debate however.
I think the Casinos in NY once they get up and running are going to produce money beyond everybody's wildest dreams. If NY racing can somehow keep the slot money( and I think that is unlikely), you could see 250k MSW races. I think it will produce that kind of money. The casinos however will put a serious hurting on NY racing's on-site customer base or at least that has been history of where ever casinos have opened. If NY racing doesn't keep some of the slot money, you will see a lot different kind of racing in NY than they currently have. I saw casinos a 150 miles away bring down Aksarben. People underestimate how many customers that a casino takes from a race track.

Now you are comparing New York Racing with a mini track that was called Aksarben, Robert you must have a real good supplier of those funny cigarettes.

________
David-LV

[Indulto]

Not that I would support the t-shirt sit-in, but exactly how do you think we as racing fan make our views that the takeout mix up is unacceptable?Detective,
I thought you also might appreciate this from the Paulick Report:

http://www.paulickreport.com/news/ray-s-paddock/the-right-year-for-a-belmont-spotlight-a-call-to-action/ (http://www.paulickreport.com/news/ray-s-paddock/the-right-year-for-a-belmont-spotlight-a-call-to-action/)
The Right Year for a Belmont Spotlight – A Call to Action
by Bradford Cummings 05.21.2012… In those years in which a Triple Crown contender does not make it to New York City, it’s easy for those in New York state government to marginalize the impact of horse racing on their bottom line. While the horse industry makes a multi-billion dollar impact responsible for tens of thousands of New York jobs, the diminishing emotional impact of Belmont Park’s most famous race in the non-Triple Crown years since 2008 has made Cuomo’s maneuvers to marginalize NYRA much easier to sweep under the rug.

But this year’s edition on June 9th will be impossible to ignore for everyone from the newest state house intern to the governor himself. The focus of every major news outlet will be on Big Sandy, the considerable history of New York racing and subsequently the millions of dollars that will pour into the state coffers as a result.

… But we must be proactive and tell our story to Albany.

… New York racing is vital to the health of the Thoroughbred industry in the U.S. While NYRA clearly has a house that needs some cleaning, we must also fight back against those who are currently projecting racing as not much more than a nuisance.

It is up to us to prove our value to Gov. Cuomo. No one else will.Mr. Cummings is advocating an email write-in (as opposed to a sit-in) to tell the Governor know how much each emailer is spending on his/her Belmont excursion.

I did like his phrase "maneuvers to marginalize," though, which perfectly describes the efforts of the more lockstep NYRA defenders here toward any challengers. ;)

The following was my response there:Mr. Cummings,
Activism on the part of the Paulick Report is most welcome.

The anti-racing factions have already used the always available national focus on the Derby to promote their agendas. Why shouldn’t pro-racing factions use this suddenly opportune Triple Crown attempt to enable racing enthusiasts to tell politicians and racing executives to start treating the sport and its customers as endangered species to be protected and nourished for the greater good.

A stable and transparent NYRA that is customer-friendly and efficiently-operated, can only benefit both New York State and the racing industry nationwide. The already excessive takeout charged customers of the New York racing product became abusive as well, when the legislated termination of a temporary increase was ignored.

The state was correct in pursuing an investigation once the situation was finally revealed by an audit. The NYRA board of directors has finally caved into the Governor’s demands by voting for a plan enabling him to change its makeup. Now it’s time for the Governor to show himself to be a friend of the bettor as taxpayer.

Takeout on exotic wagers in New York, though lowered 2% in the wake of the audit, is still too high with its current 24% maximum compared to Kentucky’s 19%. Many believe that handle (and profits) could increase with even lower takeout. New York should be leading the way in experimentation to determine its own optimum takeout level that would maximize the shares of the receipts for the State, the horsemen, and the racing operation.

The Governor could also show himself to be a friend of the horse and the horsemen as well by 1) supporting the phasing out of raceday-administered lasix in graded stakes starting with two-year-olds this year, and 2) committing to cooperating with other states in establishing a uniform medication policy with meaningful enforcement.

Who knows, he might even get a race named after him.

[jelly]

You'll have to mobilize your band of malcontents with more fervor, as NYRA is up over 5% for the meet despite having abysmal weather to this point.





Sounds good,can't wait until they show there gratitude to the Horseplayer. :blush:

[Robert Goren]

Now you are comparing New York Racing with a mini track that was called Aksarben, Robert you must have a real good supplier of those funny cigarettes.

________
David-LV Are saying just because Aksarben was a smaller track (in the same league as Oaklawn) that NY racing can't suffer the same fate because it faces the same problems. There is no such thing as too big to fail in racing. In this day and age no politician is going to stick his neck out to save a race track no matter whether he is a liberal democrat like Cuomo or a conservative republican like Christie. And furthermore both parties are looking to take away horse racing's slot money. That is a reality that NY racing like every other race track in the country is going to have face sooner or later.
By the way I remember at one time Las Vegas had a race track too. I guess casinos and horse racing couldn't co-existed even the gambling capitol of the world. Nobody has yet to post a place(outside of NJ) where casinos and race tracks co-exist without the race track getting a subsidy from the casinos.

[mannyberrios]

seriously...where do you come up with your material? No racing in NY one day when I wake up one morning? Never going to happen, unless racing is banned by the Federal gov't
Johnny Carlson

[tzipi]

Racing will always be in NY, no matter what. NY is never going to close down racing and NY needs racing. The people and interest is there. The TC Belmont crowds show that. The Saratoga crowds and money shows that. Just got to work it the right way to make it a year round thing. Yes, you wont have the crowds or money everyday as TC Belmont or Saratoga but the people are there and the interest is there to build it up again.

[Robert Goren]

Racing will always be in NY, no matter what. NY is never going to close down racing and NY needs racing. The people and interest is there. The TC Belmont crowds show that. The Saratoga crowds and money shows that. Just got to work it the right way to make it a year round thing. Yes, you wont have the crowds or money everyday as TC Belmont or Saratoga but the people are there and the interest is there to build it up again.I got news for you. No place needs racing. It is a big mistake to it for granted. Racing like every business must work hard every day to keep its doors open. There is some interest in the product that race tracks provide, but it is a big mistake to think they can take their customers for granted and stay open forever. Casino gambling near a race track always cuts into it customer base. The die hard horse players will always bet the horses, but the gamblers just looking for action will sooner or later end up in the casino permanently because the casino is a better deal for them. I think the industry greatly over estimates the number of die hard horse players. Almost every race track that put in a casino after an initial boon has seen the numbers for it racing operation fall off precipitously. I have seen NYRA do nothing that the other race tracks didn't do, so why shouldn't happen there? The idea just because NY racing is bigger than any other place so it can't happen there is a recipe for certain disaster.

[tzipi]

I got news for you. No place needs racing. It is a big mistake to it for granted. Racing like every business must work hard every day to keep its doors open. There is some interest in the product that race tracks provide, but it is a big mistake to think they can take their customers for granted and stay open forever. Casino gambling near a race track always cuts into it customer base. The die hard horse players will always bet the horses, but the gamblers just looking for action will sooner or later end up in the casino permanently because the casino is a better deal for them. I think the industry greatly over estimates the number of die hard horse players. Almost every race track that put in a casino after an initial boon has seen the numbers for it racing operation fall off precipitously. I have seen NYRA do nothing that the other race tracks didn't do, so why shouldn't happen there? The idea just because NY racing is bigger than any other place so it can't happen there is a recipe for certain disaster.


Oh I'm not saying the casinos were a good idea for the tracks or that racing has done everything right over the years. I'm just saying racing here is a good thing and can be a bigger thing if they make the right changes for not only the customers but for the people(more than just the owners) involved in the game. That's all. It's a good product here and I don't NY will ever fold if things are done right.
They have to look into their cutomers and I think also the game itself(racing schedule,etc). Has racing been put into a deep hole over the years? Yes but I still think it's a game and a sport that is still fixable and it still has the backing. Look at Saratoga or big Belmont stakes card days. I'm just hoping it goes the right way ;)