Wednesday, August 02, 2006

As reported by the Albany Times-Union: "It's cool, the lines are short and
this year -- for the first time -- the thoroughbred races from Saratoga Race
Course across the street are being broadcast live at Saratoga Gaming and
Raceway. "After arguing over the impact video lottery terminals at the
harness track could have on thoroughbred racing, the New York Racing
Association and the racino agreed to cooperate. "'It's working out well for
both parties. It's not having any real impact on our business here. The
preliminary read would be it's going to be less than 2 percent of what we do
on track,' said Bill Nader, NYRA senior vice president. "Across Nelson
Avenue at the harness track, Skip Carlson, vice president for racing, sees
the flat track as another draw, which will enliven the simulcast offerings
and serve as a lead-in to the trotters and pacers running at night. ".About
150 people were at the harness track for the opening race simulcast. There
were 17 pari-mutuel clerks working compared to the usual six or seven on
duty."