In its first major press conference since its inception late last year, on Wednesday Friends of New York Racing, Inc. (FNYR) announced its initial projects and goals. The newly named board of directors appeared together at McMahon Thoroughbreds in Saratoga Springs, NY, the birthplace of 2003 Kentucky Derby and 2004 Jockey Club Gold Cup winner Funny Cide. Tim Smith, former commissioner of NTRA, will be the president, and joining him on the board are:
Jared Abbruzzese, Capital and Technology Advisors, LLC and a New York Thoroughbred owner Dennis Brida, Executive Director, New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. Richard Bomze, President, New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA) Charles F. Champion, Chairman, President, CEO, Youbet.com Sherwood Chillingworth, Executive Vice President, Oak Tree Racing Association G.
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In addition to announcing its initial board of directors, FNYR released a timeline for 2005, including:
launching its Web site
starting a grassroots fundraising effort and political action committee (FNYRPAC)
forming an "industry advisory committee" and certain specialized task forces
completing a preliminary report of its findings and recommendations (second calendar quarter)
after a public comment period, finalizing specific recommendations for state government, NYRA and the industry (early fall)
Smith said, "Similar to what we did on national issues at the NTRA, Friends of New York Racing believes the best way to develop a blueprint for positive change in New York is to start by establishing the facts. The joint studies announced today, in conjunction with NYTHA and the New York breeding farms will be an important part of that process."
Dennis Brida of the New York Thoroughbred Breeders, added, "There are 401 Thoroughbred breeding farms here in New York creating jobs and preserving working landscapes and green space. The combined business of breeding, raising and selling Thoroughbreds is one of New York's largest agricultural enterprises. As the State faces choices on expanded gaming and the future of racing in New York, it is crucial that the positive economic impact that our industry generates is an integral part of the solution."
"Our constituents - specifically the 9,000 owners and trainers who make up NYTHA - believe firmly that the time has come for the industry to look at ways to build a better future for New York racing, including examining operations and best practices from other areas to see what we can learn and apply here," said Bob Flynn, executive director of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association.
An initial poll conducted for FNYR found that most New Yorkers value and support the state's Thoroughbred industry and favor expanded gaming at Thoroughbred racing facilities as a way to generate additional revenue for the state. According to the survey, among those with an opinion, New Yorkers view horseracing favorably by nearly a 2-to-1 margin (63% - 37%). When provided with facts about jobs, farms and economic impact, the support for the state's racing industry is even stronger.
Inte