Lobby Group Wants Aust Capital Play To Overhaul Belmont

In the on-going saga over the future franchise to run New York racing (Aqueduct, Belmont Park & Saratoga racetracks) influential lobby group International Racing Management (dedicated to attracting new owners to the thoroughbred industry) "wants New York Governor Eliot Spitzer to prevent video gaming at Belmont Park" & "supports plans by Australian-based Capital Play to overhaul Aqueduct with a high-profile gaming venue that would include entertainment & retail opportunities," reported bloodhorse.com. IRM also advocates "a merger between Capital Play & the New York Racing Association (the previous franchisee whose tenure expired on December 31) that would see NYRA handle the on-track racing product". Spitzer's 2008-09 budget proposal (unveiled last week) calls for authorisation of video lottery terminals at Belmont as well as Aqueduct. (Several years ago the state approved legislation allowing gaming at Aqueduct, but a facility still has not been built there.) However IRM president Pamela Stokes Donehower has written to Spitzer declaring: "Horsemen everywhere are appalled with your proposal to install VLTs at historic Belmont Park: site of the final leg of the Triple Crown & more Gr1 races than any track in the world"; she said the governor's proposal "shows a dearth of appreciation for Belmont Park as a revered national treasure & no regard for community efforts to preserve & beautify it". On the other hand IRM Donehower described Capital Play as "the only entity that has the financial wherewithal & comprehensive plan to allow the new entity (franchise) to begin negotiations with the state Racing & Wagering Board." Aqueduct "is slated to get 4,500 VLTs & a gaming facility could be up-and-running 12-14 months after a franchise agreement is reached". (Feb 4)