FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 16, 2020

NYTHA PRESIDENT JOE APPELBAUM:
STATEMENT ON THE REOPENING OF NEW YORK’S RACETRACKS

“NYTHA and all of our horsemen are gratified to hear Governor Cuomo announce a return to racing, albeit sans spectators, at his daily press conference. We want to thank the Governor for his stalwart leadership during incredibly challenging times for all New Yorkers,” New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association President Joe Appelbaum said. “We have been working side by side with NYRA, the Backstretch Employee Service Team, the Chaplaincy as well as our staunchly committed horsemen and women preparing for a return to racing. We are confident that the protocols implemented over the last 60 days at Belmont will allow staff both on the frontside and the backstretch to work safely. We eagerly anticipate state-wide safety guidance from the New York State Gaming Commission so that we are fully prepared to start racing on June 1. Conducting live racing will be an enormous relief for our owners and trainers, and we thank them for their patience and determination in weathering this unprecedented storm. New York racing will not only survive this, but be stronger for the bonds that have been forged with our industry partners.”