NYRA, Empire Racing won't back down

NEW YORK – As reported by the Business Review: "The also-rans in the evaluation of bids to run New York's thoroughbred horse tracks both say the contest is not over.

"Both the New York Racing Association, the current holder of the track franchise, and Empire Racing said the recommendation by the Ad Hoc Committee on Racing is not binding on the state Legislature and new Gov. Eliot Spitzer, who will make the final decision in 2007.

"The Ad Hoc Committee recommended that Excelsior Racing Associates get the franchise. NYRA's current franchise runs out at the end of 2007.

"Excelsior's bid promised $100 million up front, plus upgrades to the tracks and a guaranteed $7.5 million a year. Plus the group said it could get a video lottery terminal gambling hall at Aqueduct up and operating. There is also interest in exploring a similar VLT betting hall at Belmont.

"…NYRA President and CEO Charles Hayward said he expects the Legislature and new governor to spend a lot of time reviewing the competing bids and the Ad Hoc Committee's recommendations.

"…Empire Racing CEO Jeff Perlee said further review would show that his group is best qualified to run the thoroughbred racing operations…"