ALBANY, N.Y. -- Gov. Eliot Spitzer says the New York Racing Association will continue to run the Aqueduct, Belmont and Saratoga race tracks until at least Feb. 13.
Spitzer and state officials extended NYRA's temporary operation beyond Wednesday's deadline. Negotiations will continue between the state, NYRA and its competitors over who will run thoroughbred horse racing in the state for as long as the next 30 years.
NYRA has held the franchise since 1955. But the deal expired Dec. 31 and Spitzer and legislative leaders haven't been able to agree on whether to keep NYRA or choose a successor.
NYRA chairman Steven Duncker says the extension is acceptable while a long-term agreement is negotiated.
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press
