New York's Aqueduct's Horse Fatalities Investigated

NYRA president takes steps to solve horse breakdowns
By ED FOUNTAINE

Two days after receiving a letter from Gov. Cuomo’s office expressing concern over the number of horse fatalities this year at Aqueduct, New York Racing Association president Charles Hayward said NYRA is taking steps to address the potential cause of what he acknowledged is “a big issue,” while also moving ahead on the governor’s request that NYRA form and fund an independent investigation into the breakdowns.

Noting that most of the injuries have occurred in the cheapest claiming and maiden-claiming races, which have seen their purses skyrocket since the opening of Genting’s Resorts World New York Casino, Hayward said NYRA will lower the purses for the lowest claiming ranks — presumably giving trainers less enticement to race unsound horses. Plans already were in the works to raise the prices of the bottom claiming levels.


“I can’t speak to motives [of the horsemen],” Hayward said. “But when you have a claiming race with 18 guys shaking for [trying to claim] the horse, it shows a lot of enthusiasm for participation.”

The lowest claiming price will go from $7,500 to $10,000 on April 4, then to $12,500 when Belmont Park opens on April 27.

Hayward said he hopes the lowest price at Saratoga will be $20,000.

“Raising the bottom has to be done over time,” he said. “You’re not going to turn a switch with the increased purses [from the casino money] and get an overnight change in the horse population. Our goal should be to have sustainable mid- and upper-level claimers.”

As for the investigation, which likely will include representatives from the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, the New York State Racing and Wagering Board and veterinary experts, Hayward said, “I’m hoping we can get a lot done. If it’s going to be meaningful, they should look at everything, and they should start next week.”



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