Racing in USA
NYRA stewards plan to explain decisions
Stewards at New York Racing Association tracks plan to provide to the public reasons for decisions that affect official orders of finish. Beginning with the opening of Friday’s Saratoga meeting, stewards’ race-day decisions involving the official order of finish will be communicated through the simulcast feed and posted on the www.nyra.com website. After a horse is disqualified, many fans often are confused about the reasons for such a decision. Directly following any decision they make having to do with the official order of finish, including inquiries and objections, the stewards will provide an explanation of what happened and the reason for their decision. Also, if there is an inquiry or an objection in which the stewards ultimately decide not to take action, their reasoning will be provided. That information then will be communicated through the NYRA website and the simulcast feed. “This new policy is a big step forward in providing transparency of the stewards’ decision-making,” NYRA President Charles Hayward said. “Millions of dollars are bet every day at NYRA tracks, and customers should know why decisions are made in the stewards’ stand.” Three stewards oversee NYRA races, one appointed by the racing association, one appointed by the New York State Racing and Wagering Board (NYSRWB), and one appointed by the Jockey Club. Leaders at the racing and wagering board as well as the Jockey Club believe the new policy will be welcomed by fans. “We’re thrilled to expand the amount of information available to the wagering public,” NYSRWB Chairman John Sabini said. “In addition to our new rule on uncoupled entries that will increase the overall number of betting interests, this new stewards’ communications initiative helps create an even more fan friendly environment at the NYRA tracks.” “We are fully supportive of any efforts to improve communication to racing fans, and commend NYRA and the NYSRWB for their efforts in this regard,” Jockey Club President Jim Gagliano said. “This new initiative should serve as a model for other racing jurisdictions throughout the country.”