It's NYRA game to lose again!

Less than a week from now, the New York Racing Association begins it premier season of racing on the big stage with the opening of Belmont Park. Not to take away from Aqueduct and their winter inner-track meet, but Belmont Park and Saratoga are the meat and potatoes of NYRA's money making year. Great weather, turf wagering and top notch horses rule the roost from May until October. With the beginning of top notch racing in New York, comes good closure for the association. A bright future that has finally been made clear by the State of New York, giving full reign to NYRA and it's racing product.

One of the items in this year's late state budget was the turnover of thoroughbred racing back to NYRA without any major conditions, thus putting it back into private hands. It's been many year's since instability has been the norm for the entity that runs thoroughbred racing in the Empire State. The agreement by state lawmakers and the governor will allow NYRA to have a 17 member board to oversee operations. Eight will be chosen by the current executive board in place, two by the governor's office, two from both the senate and assembly, plus current NYRA Chief-Officer; Chris Kay. The final two members are from the New York Thoroughbred Horsemens Association and New York Breeders Inc. Finally the long, embattled time for the association should come to an end and stability to racing in New York.

For the first time in over a decade, the New York Racing Association can see a clear path to the future. It's no longer haunted by certain state mandates in their operation procedures. Many strides have been made since 2002 with improvements in racing safety and operations that in the past were riddled with scandal. Being more transparent with their day to day operations and a new business model has propelled them from a questionable organization to a top notch business company. Changes in the way thoroughbred racing was presented and an emphasis on improving the product to the public were key factors on returning racing to NYRA. Saratoga played a big part in the changes with a more fan favored approach. The creation of the wagering portal; NYRA Bets also expanded the racing product across the country. In a state where it's tough to get things done, NYRA succeeded and was granted full control of thoroughbred racing again. With the future bright and sound, maybe NYRA could lure the Breeder's Cup World Championships back to New York. It's been over 15 years and it's time to have the greatest two days of racing back in the Big Apple!

The 2017 Kentucky Derby prep trail came to an end last Saturday just where it left off last Fall in the Breeder's Cup Juvenile. Classic Empire proved best in the Arkansas Derby and likely favoritism the First Saturday in May. After a prep trail of disappointments and favorites getting beat early on, Classic Empire changed all that with a sharp victory after an eventful three year old season. He will try to maintain those sharp, classy three year old runners that have dominated the derby the past few years. He'll try to be the fifth straight morning line favorite to attempt to repeat as Kentucky Derby winner. Some still may have doubts but on paper, Classic Empire is the most accomplished horse and is peaking at the right time in my opinion!