New York's Road to the Triple Crown ... Maybe

New York Racing Association’s Triple Crown trail kicked off  on January 5, 2008 with the 33rd running of the Count Fleet at Aqueduct. It was a step up to open class for the undefeated Giant Moon, a New York-bred son of Giant’s Causeway, facing some other hopefuls such as Roman Emperor, a son of Empire Maker, Darley Stable’s Barrier Reef, and Spanky Fischbein, the only other New York-bred in the race. 

New York’s Triple Crown trail continues with The Whirlaway on February 2nd, The Gotham on March 8th, and the Wood Memorial on April 5th.  At least it will hopefully …

NYRA’s franchise extension ends on the January 23rd, and the politicians of New York have still not reached an agreement (SURPRISE! SURPRISE!).  There seems to be a couple of sticking issues though.  Seems Senate Leader Joe Bruno wants a new NYRA board, and slots in Belmont, as well as in already approved Aqueduct.  Governor Spitzer likes this idea as well.  Holding  out is Assembly Leader Sheldon Silver, who is dead set against slots at Belmont - said they are already approved at Aqueduct, so apparently sees no need - at least until he gets some yet-to-be-named future political favor.

So yet again the inefficient politicians of New York are playing the game, at the expense of people and businesses that are sustained by racing in New York.  But do these stooges really care?  They care about their partisan politics, what political favors can be gained now or in the future, and basically how they can add to their already deep pockets.  In other words, business as usual. 

It would really be a shame if New York doesn’t have a say in the race to the Kentucky Derby because of politics. There is too much history behind these races to see them fall by the side. And there are no winners in this scenario.