Cuomo strips NYRA of power, seats new board

ALBANY -- Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo took power away from the state's troubled racing overseer Tuesday, creating a temporary board under the control of political appointees to run racing for the next three years.

The move by Cuomo to replace 25 board members who come primarily from the racing scene comes as the world's horse racing spotlight turns to New York and the Belmont Stakes on June 9. That's when I'll Have Another, winner of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, will try to become the first Triple Crown winner in 34 years.

It also follows years of scandal, bankruptcy proceedings, a state bailout and last week's firing of two top NYRA officers after the Cuomo administration learned that $8.5 million in winnings was kept from bettors last year.

Cuomo said his action has nothing to do with the Belmont race but was driven by a declining racing industry that is becoming more reliant on video slot machines -- and may need to embrace casinos -- to survive.

The new board is charged with enhancing racing at Belmont, Saratoga and Aqueduct race tracks.

The new board will also help mesh horse racing with video slot machines and other electronic gambling as Cuomo pushes to expand gambling in New York for jobs and tax revenue.

In addition, the new board will determine the top executive positions. NYRA had replaced its president a week ago during a continuing state investigation.

"If we're really smart, we'll bring these entire pieces together -- racing, wagering and gaming," Cuomo said.

Cuomo said the NYRA board of directors unanimously approved the temporary board.