Paterson questions choice of NYRA for racing franchise

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ALBANY — Gov. David Paterson says he doesn't think the New York Racing Association deserves to run thoroughbred racing, but he won't try to stop NYRA's latest franchise struck with former Gov. Eliot Spitzer.

The charge comes as Belmont Park, run by NYRA, prepares for the Belmont Stakes on June 7, which could see Big Brown become the winner of the Triple Crown.

Paterson says NYRA's past - filled with state and federal investigations into corruption charges and the private group's recent stay in bankruptcy court - show it doesn't deserve the 25-year extension. NYRA won that in February along with a $105 million state bailout.

But Paterson says an agreement by state government should be honored even with a change in governors.

NYRA has operated Aqueduct, Belmont and Saratoga race tracks since 1955.

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