Just a guess, but I would bet there are certain operating procedures and daily calibration/verification tasks needed to maintain the sophisticated timing systems that tracks just are not doing.
Apparently NYRA has no procedure in place to run the correct distance, and not to block the beams with the gate. At GP, God only knows what they do. Timing has been a challenge for them for many years. And I don't even want to know how they figure out distances!
The best equipment in the world is useless in the hands of dolts.
I would guess all the maintenance people are busy servicing the slot machines.
But here is reality of it all. Two major tracks handling millions of dollars in wagers and 1 guy with a VCR is making them look totally foolish.