A New York legislative panel has scheduled a hearing for next week to examine various regulatory aspects of the state's horse racing industry. The Assembly Committee on Racing and Wagering will take testimony Dec. 8 in Albany, N.Y., from a range of stakeholders.
"The purpose of this hearing is to examine the efficiency and effectiveness of the regulatory structure of horse racing in New York State, including but not limited to, the performance of the industry, equine drug use, and the impact on businesses that support it,'' according to a new notice issued for the hearing next week.
The committee is chaired by Assemblyman Gary Pretlow, a Westchester County Democrat.
"New York State's horse racing industry represents a key segment of the national horse racing industry, and an important part of New York State's economy,'' stated the hearing notice. "According to the 2018 New York State Equine Industry Economic Impact Study, the equine industry generates 33,000 full-time jobs, and contributes to the local economies of all 62 counties in New York. The local businesses that support the industry include breeding, training and racing facilities, family-owned farms and stables, hay manufacturers, aftercare facilities, and other critical service providers."
The witness list is now being compiled by the committee and might not be released until the day of the hearing. Speakers will be given 10 minutes to orally make their case on the array of issues the committee is seeking to take testimony about.
