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Build a one-mile and/or 7/8th casino track! Get rid of Yonkers, Monticello, Batavia and Saratoga. Nobody wants to race on a half and get buried with an outside post after you paid thousands to be able to race!
True but, we do have VD. Ohio has 1/2 mile tracks and has done very well with their program. New York's problem is the decline in mares bred. It has been dropping for 20 years. We actually bred more mares before the VLT loot than we do now. Why? I have been advocating for years to in crease the VLT split from 10% for NY breds to 20% or 30%. Take that money from the overnights. A state breeding program is to promote the use and development of the agricultural aspects of the racing business. How in the world is New York generated VLT dollars advancing NY Breds and Agriculture by sponsoring $40,000 overnights for foreign bred horses? Last week, there was a race at Yonkers with 7 of the 8 bred in Australia, New Zealand or Great Britain. Only 1 was bred in USA ! This trend has been the only groth market in New York Racing. So, if they double or triple the NYSS budget to $30,000,000 and reduce the overnight budget and race days , NYS harness racing would be the place to be. 1/2 mile tracks and all. There would be enough money to revamp the fairgrounds . These places have not seen a coat of paint in 20 years. Improving the NYSS and Agricultural is what will keep the politicians happy. The days of racing overnights for out of country bred horses is what is necessary now but, it will change if the NYSS program is given a chance. You would attract not only the best bred stallions for State Bred programs but, the greatest current stallions and resident mares for Grand Circuit racing as well. A strong 2 & 3 year old fair program is key to the plan. Off course the 2&3 year old SS level would be the main attraction. Also, a solid 4 and older limited series would also be possible. The people who may suffer at the behest of this program will be the Carpet Baggers. But, there would still be enough to run a respectable and profitable overnight program , as well .