Date Set For Aqueduct Decision
The word won’t come for another six weeks, but Gov. Eliot Spitzer is getting closer to deciding who will run the state’s thoroughbred racing track franchise.
On Sept. 4, the governor’s office announced this week, Spitzer will choose one of the four firms bidding for the rights to the coveted contract.
On Sept. 4, the governor’s office announced this week, Spitzer will choose one of the four firms bidding for the rights to the coveted contract.
Plans presented include building gaming resorts and high-end retails strip at Aqueduct Race Track in Ozone Park and Belmont Park Raceway in west Nassau County.
Spitzer has indicated that an operator may be named to run both the gaming and racing ends of the franchise or that separate operators may be named for the two different ventures.
The New York Racing Association has run the two downstate tracks, along with Saratoga Race Course, located upstate, since 1955. They currently operate under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and have been mired in scandal for the last five years. Their contract with the state expires on Dec. 31.
On July 13, Mohegan Sun, which operates a casino in Connecticut, entered into a partnership with Capital Play.
Joseph Wendelken
