NYTB Welcomes SUNY Administrators to Saratoga Race Course

[1]

Administrators from SUNY colleges with NYTB board member Tom Gallo and NYRA analyst and retired NY Champion jockey Richard Migliore on their visit to Saratoga Race Course. Photo: Skip Dickstein/NYTB Photos.

One day before the start of this year’s Saratoga Race Course meet, on Wednesday, July 10, The New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc., led a group of senior administrators and Presidents from the State University of New York System to experience morning training at Saratoga Race Course and learn more about the various segments of the Thoroughbred Industry.

The tour was organized by NYTB board member and education committee chairman Tom Gallo and NYTB Executive Director Najja Thompson. Visitors included SUNY administrators and representatives from SUNY Cobleskill, SUNY Niagara, SUNY Oneonta, SUNY Oswego and Clinton Community College. The group spent the early morning watching training at the Oklahoma training track and learning about the journey of a racehorse. From being foaled to training and racing on track and the care equine athletes receive day-to-day and also in thoroughbred retirement.

[2]

Retired Champion Jockey & NYRA TV Analyst Richard Migliore speaking with SUNY administrators at the Oklahoma Training Track at Saratoga Race Course. Photo: Skip Dickstein/NYTB Photos

Speakers included were NYRA TV Analyst and retired NY Champion Jockey Richard Migliore, NYRA Executive Vice President of Operations and Capital Projects Glen Kozack, and NYRA Board members and Education committee chair Tom Gallo.

Last year, NYTB launched an accredited Thoroughbred industry course with SUNY Cobleskill designed to expose upper-class students in the Animal Science program to all aspects of the Thoroughbred industry and this year NYTB is looking to build and expand on that program in partnership with more schools.

“Our goal in welcoming administrators across the SUNY system to experience and learn more about our industry. Additionally, the immersive tour and experience was an opportunity to expand on the Thoroughbred Industry course we partnered on with SUNY Cobleskill last year with more schools across the state,” said NYTB Board member Tom Gallo.

“It was a wonderful experience for me and my colleagues,” said Ken Knelly administrator in charge for Clinton Community College. “Thank you to the NYTB and NYRA for making it possible. We look forward to continuing to work together to ensure more students can learn about the various jobs and careers in the thoroughbred industry.”

Source URL: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/2024/07/12/nytb-welcomes-suny-administrators-to-saratoga-race-course/

NYTB Membership Services booth at Saratoga Race Course

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Source URL: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/2024/07/10/nytb-membership-services-booth-at-saratoga-race-course/

Retired Racehorse of The Year Award to Highlight New York Aftercare Day at Saratoga August 15

[1]

Soaring Star, bred in New York by Patricia Moseley and a graduate of New Vocations, participates in last year’s inaugural event. Susie Raisher photo.

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA), New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA), and New York Thoroughbred Breeders (NYTB) will host the fourth annual New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day on Thursday, August 15, at Saratoga Race Course.

The event will be highlighted by the introduction of the Down Broadway Retired Racehorse of the Year Award. Named for the first horse retired through the TAKE THE LEAD[2] Program back in 2013, the Down Broadway will feature nominations from the New York organizations that participate in Aftercare Day, with the winner to be decided by a vote of racing fans.

New York Aftercare Day showcases retired racehorses demonstrating the skills they’ve learned in second careers, and interviews with members of New York’s aftercare community. The $125,000 Rick Violette Stakes, named for the late trainer and NYTHA President who spearheaded the creation of the TAKE2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program and TAKE THE LEAD Retirement Program, will anchor the racing card.

Representatives of ACTT Naturally[3], Lucky Orphans[4], New Vocations[5], Old Friends at Cabin Creek[6], ReRun[7], Second Chance Thoroughbreds[8], Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga[9], and Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation[10] will be on hand in the Community Booth behind the jockeys’ quarters to talk about their efforts on behalf of New York’s retired racehorses.

“All of the members of New York’s racing industry, including, owners, trainers, breeders, jockeys, and racetrack management, are firmly committed to providing for our horses after they leave the track,” said TAKE THE LEAD President Rick Schosberg. “Collectively, we contribute more than $1.2 million a year to ensure they have the happy and healthy retirement they deserve. Aftercare Day is the perfect opportunity to showcase the success of our commitment.”

[11]

Milfer Farm-bred Uncle Sigh, multiple graded stakes placed, Kentucky Derby participant, and ReRun ambassador, meets fans. Susie Raisher photo.

“Thoroughbred Aftercare Day reflects our ongoing commitment to re-training and rehoming these world-class equine athletes when their racing days are done,” said Andrew Offerman, NYRA Senior Vice President for Racing & Operations. “New York is the national leader when it comes to supporting and investing in meaningful aftercare efforts, and NYRA is pleased to host the fourth annual New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day at Saratoga Race Course on August 15.”

“New York Aftercare Day is an important event on the Saratoga calendar because it allows us to celebrate the good work done by leading Thoroughbred Aftercare organizations that care and retrain our equine athletes,” said Najja Thompson, Executive Director of New York Thoroughbred Breeders. “We’re proud to collaborate with NYTHA, NYRA, and each participating organization in our collective efforts to highlight and bring awareness to Thoroughbred Aftercare across the industry.”

Schosberg, now himself retired from training, was Down Broadway’s conditioner when the decision was made to transition the New York-bred to a second career. Winless in 10 races, the handsome gray gelding was retired through New Vocations back in 2013 and is now living his best life in Ohio.

“After several successful years as a dressage horse, he’s living out in massive pastures at a friend’s farm in northeastern Ohio,” said adopter Megan Uditis. “He’s spoiled, so loved and happy as can be! He was by far my favorite to bring along, so sweet and kind, and he still is. He’s happy to have his forever home with his pasture mates.”

The nominations for the Down Broadway Award will be announced in mid-July, with voters casting their ballots online for the retired racehorse of their choice. Wristbands for each nominee will be given away on Aftercare Day so that fans can show their support, and the winner will be honored after the first race.

“The winner’s circle ceremony for Drafted last year was so popular, we wanted to find a way to celebrate one of our retired racehorses every year,” TAKE THE LEAD and NYTHA Executive Director Andy Belfiore explained. “Whether they were champions or never won a race, these horses have earned our love and respect, and we need to demonstrate that, not just on Aftercare Day, but every day.”

Source URL: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/2024/07/08/retired-racehorse-of-the-year-award-to-highlight-new-york-aftercare-day-at-saratoga-august-15/

New York Showcase Day Brunch presented by Thirty Year Farm – Sunday, June 9

[1]

Join NYTB & Thirty Year Farm for a brunch buffet & bar to kick off New York-bred Showcase Day on Sunday, June 9, closing day of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga!

Presented by Thirty Year Farm, the brunch will be a wonderful and exciting event and is an opportunity to interact with your fellow breeders, owners, NYTB members, and everyone in the program ahead of our first Showcase Day of 2024 in closing out the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival. We look forward to seeing you there!

Purchase tickets by visiting nytbreeders.org/events

[2]

Source URL: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/2024/05/21/new-york-showcase-day-brunch-presented-by-thirty-year-farm-sunday-june-9/

Maple Leaf Mel earns 2023 New York-bred Horse of the Year, multiple divisional honors

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Maple Leaf Mel, a two-time graded stakes winner last year, earned New York-bred Horse of the Year and a pair of divisional honors for 2023. NYRA Photo.

Multiple graded stakes winner Maple Leaf Mel earned New York-bred Horse of the Year, champion 3-year-old filly and champion female sprinter honors during the New York Thoroughbred Breeders Inc.’s Annual Awards Ceremony Monday night at Sacred Saratoga on the property of GMP Farm in Schuylerville.

Bred by Joe Fafone and campaigned by Bill Parcells’ August Dawn Farm, Maple Leaf Mel won the East View Stakes at Aqueduct against fellow New York-bred fillies before back-to-back successes in the Grade 3 Miss Preakness at Pimlico and Grade 3 Victory Ride at Belmont Park. The daughter of Cross Traffic suffered a fatal injury in the final strides – while on the lead and headed to a certain victory – of the Grade 1 Test Stakes at Saratoga Race Course. Trained by Melanie Giddings and Jeremiah Englehart, Maple Leaf Mel won five of six starts overall and earned $399,650.

The 2023 New York-bred Horse of the Year and divisional champions were chosen by a vote of New York turf writers, handicappers, photographers and television and radio hosts and analysts conducted by the NYTB.

A Commemorative Awards Dinner Program was written and produced by ST Publishing (the team behind The Saratoga Special and Thisishorseracing.com) for Monday night’s event and includes profiles of all the finalists. The program is available here[2].

New York’s 2023 honorees:
New York-Bred Horse of the Year, Champion Three-Year-Old Filly, Champion Female Sprinter
Maple Leaf Mel (Cross Traffic-City Gift, by City Place)
Breeder: Joe Fafone.
Owner: August Dawn Farm.
Trainers: Melanie Giddings and Jeremiah Englehart.
Foaling farm: Waldorf Farm in Valatie.

Champion Two-Year-Old Male
The Wine Steward (Vino Rosso – Call to Service, by To Honor and Serve)
Breeders: Sequel Thoroughbreds LLC, Lakland Farm and Mark Toothaker
Owner: Paradise Farms Corp. and David Staudacher
Trainer: Mike Maker
Foaling farm: Sequel Stallions in Hudson

Champion Two-Year-Old Filly
Cara’s Time (Not This Time – Zindra, by Macho Uno)
Breeder: Stephen Crestani Jr.
Owner: Richard Greeley
Trainer: Mitch Friedman
Foaling farm: New Hill Farm in Hoosick Falls

Champion Three-Year-Old Male
Hejazi (Bernardini – G Note, by Medaglia d’Oro)
Breeder: Chester and Mary Broman
Owner: Zedan Racing Stables Inc.
Trainers: Bob Baffert, Tim Yakteen
Foaling farm: Chestertown Farm in Chestertown

Champion Older Dirt Male
Dr Ardito (Liam’s Map – Delightfully So, by Indian Charlie)
Breeders: Fred Hertrich III and John Fielding
Owners: Michael Dubb and Michael Caruso
Trainer: Chad Brown
Foaling farm: Waldorf Farm in Valatie

Champion Older Dirt Female
Classy Edition (Classic Empire – Newbie, by Bernardini)
Breeders: Chester and Mary Broman
Owners: Robert and Lawana Low
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Foaling farm: Chestertown Farm in Chestertown

Champion Turf Male
Red Knight (Pure Prize – Isabel Away, Skip Away)
Breeder/Owner: Trinity Farm
Trainer: Mike Maker
Foaling farm: Keane Stud in Amenia

Champion Turf Female
Silver Skillet (Liam’s Map – Catcha Rising Star, by Red Giant)
Breeder: Robert Chasanoff
Owners: Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, Tango Uniform Racing and Steven Rocco
Trainer: Christophe Clement
Foaling farm: Blue Chip Farms in Wallkill

Champion Male Sprinter
Bold Journey (Hard Spun – Polly Freeze, by Super Saver)
Breeders: Fred Hertrich III and John Fielding.
Owners: Pantofel Stable, Wachtel Stable and Gary Barber
Trainer: Bill Mott
Foaling farm: Waldorf Farm in Valatie

Steeplechaser
Kiyomori (First Samurai – The Grey Express, by King’s Theatre)
Breeder/Owner: Greg Hawkins
Trainers: Todd Wyatt and Janet Elliot
Foaling farm: River Valley Farm in Gansevoort

Broodmare of the Year: City Gift (City Place – For My Wife, by Not For Love)

New York-Bred Trainer of the Year: Linda Rice

New York-Bred Jockey of the Year: Manuel Franco

New York Breeder of the Year: Stonewall Farm

Click here for the 2023 NYTB Annual Awards Dinner program.[3]

Source URL: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/2024/05/13/maple-leaf-mel-earns-2023-new-york-bred-horse-of-the-year-multiple-divisional-honors/

NYTB to honor Vivien Malloy with Lifetime Achievement Award

[1]

Edition Farm’s Vivien Malloy will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the NYTB at the Annual Awards Dinner Monday, May 13.

The New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB) is pleased to announce Thoroughbred breeder and owner Vivien Malloy will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award for excellence in the New York-bred program.

Malloy, who owned and operated Edition Farm for more than four decades and bought her first racehorse in 1971, will be recognized at the NYTB’s Awards Dinner sponsored by the New York Thoroughbred Breeding & Development Fund from 6-9 p.m. Monday, May 13 at Sacred Saratoga on the property of GMP Farm in Schuylerville.

“What a thrill it was to hear I’ll receive this award,” Malloy said, who first joined the NYTB board in the 1980s on the advice of the late prominent New York breeder Gerald Nielsen. “He called and she I should be on the board. I told him I needed to talk to my husband first, and Harry said “oh, don’t get into anything political.’ ”

“I told him it’s not political and that I hoped I’d be able to represent small breeders and help in any way I can. Then in the years following I thought, ‘it’s all political.’ I spent so much time in Albany with lobbyists and politicians, but it’s all been worth it.”

Malloy was honored by the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association as the New York State Breeder of the Year in 2007 and 2010. She also earned the NYTB’s Breeder of the Year Award in 2010.

“Vivien has been an integral and influential person in the development of New York breeding and racing,” said NYTB President Dr. Scott Ahlschwede. “She has been involved in every facet of our industry from breeding to ownership and standing stallions. On behalf of our board of directors and membership, we are proud to honor and recognize her lifetime contributions.”

Malloy’s run of success in the Empire State was centered on her two farms – Edition Farm in Waccabuc and Edition Farm North in Hyde Park. Malloy is the breeder of A Shin Forward, a son of Forest Wildcat who sold for $125,000 at the 2006 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga selected yearling sale before going on to become a Grade 1 winner in Japan. A Shin Forward earned $3,416,216 in his career, which ranks him as the third highest earning New York-bred in history.

“A Shin Forward was picked for the select sale at Saratoga and after I had a discussion with Craig Bandoroff who told me, ‘you’re going to be lost in the select sale, go to the preferred, you’ll be a star,’ ” Malloy said of her longtime consignor who operates Denali Stud. “I told him I didn’t want to be a star, that it will be good for my ego just that one time to be in the select sale. And he did quite well in there.”

In addition to A Shin Forward, stakes winners bred or co-bred by Malloy or Edition Farm include Mine Tonight, Minetonightsfirst, Bayou Blurr, Mistah, Then She Laughs, Kiss the Pro, Cliffie and Zow.

“We look forward to celebrating Vivien’s contributions to the New York-bred program at our upcoming annual marquee event alongside our New York-bred Divisional Award nominees and Champions at what will be a wonderful event,” said NYTB Executive Director Najja Thompson.

Tickets are still available for the NYTB Awards Dinner – $150 for NYTB Members and $175 for non-members – and can be purchased at nytbreeders.org/events[2] or by calling the NYTB Office at (518) 587-0777.

Source URL: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/2024/04/24/nytb-to-honor-vivien-malloy-with-lifetime-achievement-award/

NYTB Legislative Update: 2025 NY State Budget Recap

[1]Following weeks of protracted budget negotiations, the Legislature and Executive reached an agreement that led to the final bills being printed early in the morning on Saturday, April 20, and voting was finished later that afternoon.  As a result, the New York State Fiscal Year 2025 State Budget was finalized totaling $237 billion.

Our aim is always to protect and grow New York breeding and racing. There is a perpetual need for advocacy for our sport and industry which we hope you can help contribute towards.

NYTB and our legislative affairs team in Albany continue to work on your behalf to ensure New York’s thoroughbred breeding program and racing industry continue to be the best in the nation.  Below, please find updates from the 2025 state budget regarding New York’s horse racing and the thoroughbred breeding industry. These developments are in addition to accomplishments in recent years made possible from support by NYTB members such as:

• A state-backed loan for the redevelopment of a new and improved Belmont Park.
• Increased Breeder Awards offering up to 40 percent for New York Sired progeny and 20 percent for Non-NY-Sired progeny.
• Annual Fund Caps legislation that allows the Breeding Fund to payout program awards as advertised.

• Groundbreaking anti-slaughter legislation with the support of the entire racing industry.
• Continuing to prevent legislation that would impose sales tax on the sale on the purchase of thoroughbreds sold at auction in New York.
• Protecting of Racing support payments made from Video-Lottery Terminal revenue from Resorts World Casino at Aqueduct racetrack which ensures increased purse levels in New York and the overall increase in value of stallions standing in New York.

We are thankful and appreciate the support of Governor Kathy Hochul, Senator Joseph Addabbo, Jr. (D-15), chair of the New York Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee, Assemblymember Gary Pretlow, Jr. (D-89), chair of the State Assembly Racing and Wagering Committee, and all members of the New York Senate and State Assembly who continue to recognize the importance of horse racing to the New York State economy.

It is clear that New York farms, breeders, and all stakeholders in our program depend on the policymakers in our State Capitol. This year is especially important as all New York State legislators are up for election this coming November, and those who are aligned with our priorities and help us achieve our policy goals are looking to the NYTB PAC for our support.  Our PAC can only be successful if it receives support from members like you.

Personal donations to the NYTB PAC can be made payable to the NYTB PAC online here and mailed to:

NYTB PAC
P.O. BOX 5120
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. 12866

NYTB will continue our work on your behalf and appreciates your support in these efforts.

Regards,

Najja Thompson
Executive Director

• EXTEND USE OF CAPITAL FUNDS BY OFF-TRACK BETTING CORPORATIONS

If certain conditions are met, Capital OTB is authorized to use $1 million in Fiscal Year 2025, and Catskill is authorized to use up to $2.5 million towards:

• Expenditures necessary to accept authorized wagers;
• Past due obligations, including funds owed to: New York licensed or franchised racing corporations or associations, other racing associations or organizations for the costs of acquiring a simulcast signal,the New York State Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund Corporation, the agriculture and New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund, or the Harry M. Zweig Memorial Fund for equine research.

• EXTEND PARI-MUTUEL TAX RATES AND SIMULCAST PROVISIONS FOR ONE YEAR

• EXTEND NEW YORK JOCKEY INJURY COMPENSATION FUND, INC. AUTHORITY THROUGH 2027

• BELMONT AT SARATOGA MEET

  Extend certain licensing flexibilities for the Belmont Festival to apply while conducted at Saratoga Race Course (through December 31, 2026).

*Contributions to the NYTB PAC are not deductible for federal income tax purposes. Total contributions from a corporation or LLC may not exceed $5,000 per calendar year in the aggregate to all New York state and local candidates and committees. Any LLC that contributes will be required to provide the NYTB PAC with details regarding the LLC’S members and their ownership interests. It is strictly prohibited to reimburse another individual’s or entity’s contribution. All contributors must be either US citizens or permanent resident aliens (green card holders).

Source URL: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/2024/04/23/nytb-legislative-update-2025-ny-state-budget-recap/

TRF, NYTB collaborate on sanctuary farm search in New York

[1]The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation and the New York Thoroughbred Breeders Inc. are collaborating on an effort to expand the TRF sanctuary farm network in New York with a focus on bringing New York-breds back to the Empire State for their retirement.

The TRF, the country’s oldest and largest Thoroughbred retirement operation, set a goal of finding farms in the state to home rescued and retired New York-breds in 2024. Farm owners in the state are encouraged to consider partnering with the TRF to provide land for these Thoroughbreds, most of whom were raised, raced and reared in New York.

“It would be so impactful for the TRF to have a sanctuary farm in New York,” said TRF Chief Operating Officer Maggie Sweet. “These horses are born here, raised here and race here and it would be a true full-circle moment to retire them here as well.”

Based in Saratoga Springs and founded in 1983, the TRF is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization entirely supported by private donations from individuals, organizations, and foundations.

The TRF is also known for its Second Chances Program, which provides incarcerated individuals with life-changing vocational training through an accredited equine care and stable management program. At eight correctional facilities across the U.S., including one juvenile justice facility, this program offers second careers to its horses and a second chance at life for program graduates upon release from prison.

The search for additional sanctuary farms in New York and the Northeast became necessary due to demand. The TRF will look to start small – two farms with 10 horses apiece, for example – with a goal to grow to a comfortable level based on need and support from the New York racing industry.

“We are thrilled to share this opportunity from the TRF with farm owners in New York state to create accredited sanctuary sites for the care of equine athletes beyond their career at the racetrack,” said New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. Executive Director Najja Thompson. “Thoroughbred aftercare is of the utmost importance to our organization and members. The TRF has proven to be a leader in that regard.”

Farm owners in New York who are interested in a partnership are encouraged to contact Chelsea O’Reilly, TRF Director of Equine Programs, at chelsea@trfinc.org[2].

Source URL: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/2024/03/25/trf-nytb-collaborate-on-sanctuary-farm-search-in-new-york/

Horse Racing in New York brings $3 Billion to the NYS Economy

[1]Today results from the American Horse Council (AHC) Economic Impact Study for New York State were released by the equine advocacy group SaddleUpNY!

The report shows New York’s racing sector remains an important hub of Thoroughbred & Standardbred racing in North America. This provides New York State with over $3 billion in economic impact and more than 19,000 jobs.

“The findings from the American Horse Council’s economic impact study for New York report that the breeding and racing industry is an invaluable asset to our state,” said NYTB President Dr. Scott Ahlschwede, D.V.M. “Our state-bred program has positioned itself as the leading regional program in the nation, and we look forward to continuing to work with our fellow stakeholders to ensure that the additional investment in breeding and racing in New York will result in added revenue for all areas across the state.”

SaddleUPNY! Press release continues below

Horse Racing in New York brings $3 Billion to the NYS Economy

New York is one of the largest racing hubs in the United States, and the recent results of the American Horse Council (AHC) Economic Impact Study, along with those of the associated New York State ‘breakout’ study, document the strength and importance of the racing sector in New York’s Equine profile. Together, the Thoroughbred and Standardbred Racing sectors in New York bring an economic impact of $3 billion (inclusive of tourism impact) and employment impact of 19,785.

[2]

With 11 pari-mutuel racetracks (four Thoroughbred and seven Standardbred), New York hosted 1078 live race days in 2022, with avtotal handle reaching $2.7 billion and purses topping out at $295 million. In addition to race days, New York hosts some of the top sales in North America. The Thoroughbred sales venue at Saratoga’s Fasig Tipton lands in the top 10 for both the Saratoga Sale and the New York Bred Yearling Sale, both of which take place in August. In Middletown, NY, the Goshen Standardbred Yearling Sale in September is among the Top 10 public Standardbred yearling sales in North America.

Horse racing has a long and robust history in New York, drawing tourists to tracks, farms, towns and communities. The economic value of tourism is part of the $3 billion total impact, as $575 million of that $3 billion comes from racing tourism. Saratoga, as the preeminent and oldest Thoroughbred track in the country, attracts more than a million visitors a year. The Goshen Historic Track in Goshen, NY, established as a Standardbred facility in 1838, is the oldest continuously operated track in North America, regardless of breed. Although horse training occurs year round at the half-mile oval, it is a tourism hub for Orange County during its summer race

meet. Because of the historic nature of both racing venues, Saratoga Springs and Goshen are home to their respective sports’ Hall of Fame Museums, a further tourism draw for New York.

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While most of the highlights of racing come on the track at the sport’s various race meets, the behind-the-scenes work of the people that care for the horses – day and night – is what makes it all possible. That work takes place at home farms, stables and practice tracks across New York, including the rolling fields where young foals first stretch their legs, learning the basics and growing strong to one day become racing prospects. According to Tom Grossman, owner of Blue Chip Farms in Wallkill, NY, “our standardbred nursery boasts an average population of 150 mares and their youngsters with enormous trickle-down economic benefits supporting agricultural entities like hay growers, grain and bedding suppliers, and equipment providers (tractors, trucks, hay balers etc.).” The expanded impact of horse farms is an often unrecognized benefit –including the impact on land preservation and associated capital improvement of the land. Based on the AHC study results, 51% of New York horse owners own or lease a farm, barn or stable, with total acreage estimated at 303,000. And while breeders hope those foals will make it to the track, that doesn’t always happen. Thoroughbred and Standardbred race prospects are highly desired for their ability to transition to new careers, however. New York was an early adopter of mechanisms to support such transitions, with programs such as Take2, TAKE THE LEAD, Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, Purple Haze Standardbred Adoption, and the Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program. In addition, the NY Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund has provided well over a million dollars to Thoroughbred aftercare facilities in the state, and annually provides more than $100,000 to facilities that re-train Thoroughbreds or provide sanctuary homes for those that cannot have a useful second career.

This summer, New York will see an additional boost to racing’s economic impact, with Saratoga playing host to the Belmont Stakes – the third leg of the famed Triple Crown. According to Najja Thompson, Executive Director of the New York Thoroughbred Breeders, “Last summer, the Saratoga County Industrial Development Agency (SCID) found that the Thoroughbred meet at Saratoga generated $371 million in economic impact and provided 2,900 jobs across the Capitol Region alone.” Those numbers will no doubt rise dramatically with the Belmont, and the buzz is growing around the potential for those figures. “The Saratoga Chamber of Commerce

thinks the four-day Thoroughbred meet in June for the running of the Belmont Stakes will pump $50 million into the area – and that’s just an estimate of the tourism dollars,” says Tracy Egan, Executive Director of the NY Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund. Enthusiasm for horses in New York is strong, with 2.4 million households (30% of all households) containing a horse enthusiast – and New York racing has something for everyone. Racing schedules for Thoroughbred racing in the state can be found at the NYRA website (www.nyra.com) and the Finger Lake Racetrack website www.fingerlakesgaming.com. The Standardbred racing schedule can be found at www.nysirestakes.com

.

The New York State Economic Impact study was commissioned by SaddleUpNY! and made possible through the generous contributions of the following industry partners and friends: New York Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund, New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Old Field Farm, Ltd, Blue Chip Farm, John Madden Sales, Cornell University Hospital for Animals, New York Farm Bureau, New York State Horse Council, Karin Bump, Timothy Williams, Sally Lynch, Kent Nutrition and Triple Crown Nutrition. In addition, a linked GoFundMe campaign was also utilized for essential broader support from individuals across the state.

Source URL: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/2024/02/29/horse-racing-in-new-york-brings-3-billion-to-the-nys-economy/

NYTB Member Benefit: 10 percent discount Walker’s Farm, Home & Tack Shop

[2]

Source URL: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/2024/02/28/nytb-member-benefit-10-percent-discount-walkers-farm-home-tack-shop/