Coupled Pari-Mutuel Entries In New York Could Be Eliminated To Boost Field Sizes

Coupled 1 and 1A pari-mutuel entries in New York could soon be eliminated if a New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) proposal that got advanced to the public commentary phase on Monday passes an eventual final vote by commissioners.

According to a brief written by NYSGC general counsel Edmund Burns that was included in the informational packet for the Mar. 24 meeting, the proposal has the backing of the New York Racing Association, Finger Lakes racetrack, the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association and The New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc.

“Those supporting elimination contend that loosening coupling rules would increase betting interest and handle,” the brief stated. “[Supporters] state that less-restrictive coupling rules have been implemented successfully in other racing jurisdictions, such as California, Illinois, Kentucky, New Jersey, Maryland and others, and that race-integrity concerns can be addressed as they arise…”

The brief stated that the NYSGC last tweaked the current rule in 2015, which eliminated mandatory coupling in in any stakes race with a purse of $50,000 or more.

The proposed new language would hinge on changing the wording in rule 4025.10 so the operative term is “may” be coupled and not “must.”

The state steward would make the call on whether to couple or not, if, “in such steward's discretion, [the steward] finds it necessary in the public interest,” the proposed rule states.

In the case of two horses that “have the same individual present in the managing ownership of the horses, that share a 25% commonality in ownership, or that share a common trainer,” the proposed rule would allow for those horses to be offered as separate pari-mutuel interests.

But New York tracks shouldn't toss out those 1, 1A and 1X saddle towels just yet.

That's because the proposed rule states that, “If there are more than two horses sharing common ownership, as set forth in this subdivision, or a common trainer, such horses shall be coupled.”

In the event of any uncouplings, “the racetrack operator shall take such actions as are necessary to inform the public adequately with regard to the common ownership and/or trainer that would otherwise make such horses eligible to be coupled as a single betting interest.”

The next step is for the proposed rule to be published in the New York State Register before being brought back to the NYSGC for a final vote.

“NYRA has long advocated for the elimination of coupled entries in New York, and we appreciate the action taken by the New York State Gaming Commission to modernize these rules in alignment with major racing jurisdictions across the country,” said NYRA's Vice President of Communications Patrick McKenna.”The proposed rule change would benefit the wagering public by increasing field size while generating additional handle to support New York's horsemen and the broader racing community.”