NYRA would have no way to absorb a reduced takeout hit,if they petitioned for it with the FOB and NYS Gaming Commission. The numbers just dont add and NYRA would look foolish to even speak of reduced takeout now,barely struggling to reach break even as it is.
There is data to suggest that when takeouts are reduced, handle does go up for a time and then usually falls back.Racing days will probably be reduced at winter NYRA meets going forward which will result in less revenue for NYRA again.
The horse shortage for entry boxes across the country is expected to peak during 2014 and 2015, a result of the reduced foal crops of 2010,11,12(NY bred slow rats foaling up this year due to generous breeding program with monsterously inflated purses)A decrease in the entry box, along with possible reduced slot subsidies at certain venues, could spell the end for some,a boost for the game overall imo,especially NY.Racing needs contraction to survive and possibly spurt forward.
NYRA not getting a fair share of the pie for operations but Albany unlikely to change much until the matter of privatization is resolved in a couple of years.
Know that NYRA would like to throw the players a bone but dont have the money.Horsemen scream bloody murder at reducing purses to address any player issues.Rick Violette recently said players should go home early if they dont like the quality or excessive number of races being run at SPA....f-king idiot doesn\'t know the disgust of most regulars with those disconnected from player issues.Yet, he has a seat at the table!