New York Racing Association
The New York Racing Association is not a track but rather a non-profit management group. The association is responsible for the running of the three largest thoroughbred horse-racing tracks in New York – the Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park and the Saratoga Race Course. All three of these tracks are carefully managed to ensure that the best facilities possible are made available for racing in the state of New York.
By 1913, there were only four surviving racing tracks in New York. These were Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park, the Old Jamaica and Saratoga Race Course. The tracks were grouped together under a non-profit association called the Greater New York Association which later became the New York Racing Association. Under new management, the Aqueduct and Belmont underwent extensive renovations while the Jamaica was demolished. With just three really good racetracks under their authority, the New York Racing Association went from strength to strength until they became firmly established in the thoroughbred horse racing industry. They recently built a number of video-lottery gambling terminals at Aqueduct which is expected to help increase purses for the races. Despite recent tax evasion charges, the NYRA remains one of the most powerful racetrack operators in the business.
The NYRA is currently responsible for organising a number of races between their three tracks on a year-round basis in New York. Working from different tracks at different times during the year, they are able to ensure that gamblers and horse owners have access to great racing facilities and thrilling races. They also sponsor a number of reputable races, such as the Triple Tiara – a Triple Crown race for fillies.
