NYRA to receive $25 million loan from state

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Elmont, NY (Sports Network) - The New York Racing Association (NYRA) will receive a loan of $25 million from the State of New York to continue operations beyond Wednesday, June 9. A spokesman for Gov. David Patterson said Tuesday that the loan was approved by the state legislature.

"The Board of Directors of the New York Racing Association, Inc. along with its management and dedicated employees are grateful for the State legislature's approval last evening of a $25 million loan which guarantees world class thoroughbred racing at Belmont Park, Saratoga Race Course and Aqueduct Racetrack," NYRA chairman C. Steven Drucker said in a statement.

"We appreciate the dedication and perseverance of Gov. David Paterson," Drucker continued, "Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, Senate Conference Leader John Sampson, Senate racing committee Chairman Eric Adams, and Assembly racing and wagering committee Chairman Gary Pretlow, and their respective staff members, which resulted in this legislation."

Notices were sent out last Thursday to NYRA employees that due to financial problems, racing operations and facility closings would begin as soon as June 9.

The NYRA is franchised by the State of New York to operate the three racetracks through 2033.