NYTHA

Edited Press Release from TAKE2 There are many second-career opportunities for retired racehorses. Some head to the breeding shed to produce the next generation of potential stars, some become show horses, some help humans through equine-assisted therapy programs--and some provide support to their fellow Thoroughbreds, accompanying them in training and to the starting gate in the essential role of racetrack pony. This year, New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day will honor the former racehorses who now serve as ponies. This sixth annual New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day will be held Friday,...

The nomination deadline of Tuesday, June 30 is approaching for NYTHA's D. Wayne Lukas Award, which recognizes a New York-based assistant trainer who demonstrates the qualities that the late Hall of Fame trainer himself exemplified--dedication, a strong work ethic and a high commitment to excellence, the organization said in Saturday release. Owners and trainers are invited to nominate a New York-based assistant trainer for the $10,000 award, which will be presented Wednesday, Sept. 2, D. Wayne Lukas's birthday. Click here to access the online form.

Officials at the New York Racing Association (NYRA) have announced a charitable campaign in support of the trainers, staff and backstretch workers impacted by the early Tuesday barn fire at the Saratoga Casino Hotel Harness Track. The initiative will first include a $50,000 contribution from NYRA to the Saratoga Harness Horseperson's Association (SHHA) to assist those affected by the fire. Additionally, NYRA will host a fundraiser on opening day of the meet at Saratoga Race Course July 3 where fans will have the opportunity to purchase a specially designed T-shirt....

The New York Backstretch Employees Pension Trust has a bit of a "well-kept secret" shroud to it. Even longtime Thoroughbred owners who compete on the New York Racing Association (NYRA) circuit are sometimes unaware that a pension fund exists for the backstretch workers, and that 2% of the purses at Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course are invested toward the retirements of the people who provide daily, hands-on care for horses. Despite the under-the-radar nature of the fund, those who oversee it are continually trying to make sure...

The New York Racing Association (NYRA) has released revisions to the stakes schedule as well as a plan for additional race days to account for the weather-related cancellations at Aqueduct, the group announced via press release. In addition to NYRA, the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA) and New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB), will request approval from the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) to conduct four additional days of live racing Wednesday, Feb. 11, Thursday, Feb. 19, Thursday, Feb. 26 and Thursday, Mar. 5.  An additional card for...

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) released its 2026 racing schedule Thursday, a calendar which includes 196 live race days spread across Aqueduct Racetrack, Saratoga Race Course and the new Belmont Park. Additionally, NYRA has reached a multi-year agreement with the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA) and New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB) designed to provide racing participants with additional certainty regarding racing opportunities and underscores NYRA's commitment to year-round racing during the transition to a re-imagined Belmont Park. Accordingly, NYRA has established the foundation of a 2027...

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) is opening an investigation into antisemitic comments allegedly made on social media by young trainer Kevin Bond, son of long-time New York-based trainer H. James Bond and his wife, Tina, who is the president of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA). The aggressively antisemitic remarks allegedly attributed to Bond were in response to a Facebook post regarding the murder of Hollywood producer, director, screenwriter, and actor Rob Reiner and his wife over the weekend. Kevin Bond reached out to TDN, saying his...

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) had added one day of live racing on Wednesday, Dec. 10 as part of the fall meet at Aqueduct Racetrack, the organization said via a Wednesday release. Following the cancellation of live racing after the completion of the first race on Sunday, Nov. 30, NYRA, the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA) and New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB) requested and have received formal approval from the New York State Gaming Commission to conduct live racing Dec. 10. Entries for the card will...

There has been much discussion in the press recently about the ongoing negotiations on the 2026 racing calendar in New York. In truth, we are closer than reports would suggest on reaching an agreement. Currently, there are four days for the Winter meet, four days for the Saratoga meet, and two days at the Spring meet that are in dispute. We are advocating strongly to retain these dates because we believe that a robust year-round racing calendar is vital to the long-term health of New York's Thoroughbred industry. Year-round racing...

The New York Racing Association will card one additional day of live racing to be held Wednesday, November 12 as part of the fall meet at Aqueduct Racetrack, the track announced Tuesday. Following the cancellation of live racing on both Thursday, Oct. 30 and Friday, Oct. 31, NYRA, the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA) and New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB) requested and received formal approval from the New York State Gaming Commission to conduct live racing November 12 at Aqueduct. NYRA will add additional races to cards throughout...

Next Wednesday, Oct. 22, will be an additional day of live racing as part of the Belmont at the Big A fall meet, the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) announced. Live racing was cancelled Sunday, Oct. 12 due to a significant storm in the area. NYRA, the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA), and the New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB) requested and received formal approval from the New York State Gaming Commission to add the Oct. 22 card. Entries for Oct. 22 will be taken Thursday, Oct. 16....

The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA) has established the D. Wayne Lukas Award, to be given annually to a New York-based assistant trainer who demonstrates the qualities that the late Hall of Fame trainer himself exemplified-- dedication, a strong work ethic, and a high commitment to excellence--the organization said in a press release on Wednesday. Owners and trainers will be invited to nominate an assistant trainer for the $10,000 award, which will be presented each year on Sept. 2, D. Wayne Lukas's birthday. "'The Coach' mentored countless young people,...