Op-ed
Big A Is Big Business
BY AUDREY I. PHEFFER

Aqueduct- the "Big A" as it is affectionately known by those who love it- is the only racetrack located in New York City. It is easily accessible by public transportation- it even has its own stop on the A train line. The racetrack was opened in 1894 and for almost 225 years has operated as one of the nation's leading horse racing tracks. Aqueduct Racetrack is the only New York state track that has the capability of winter racing. In 1975 the grass on the Main Turf Course was uprooted and the Inner Dirt Track took its place to permit year-round racing. The Club House grandstand and entire facility at Aqueduct is already winterized and used year-round. Racing takes place at Aqueduct from October to May.

Numerous employees depend on the almost eight months of racing that takes place each year at Aqueduct. Groomsmen, trainers, breeders, walkers, concession personnel, ticket takers and countless others all depend on Aqueduct's eight months of racing. Aqueduct Race Track currently houses over 400 horses year-round. Aqueduct is a year-round facility. Even when racing is elsewhere, training and boarding are actively conducted at Aqueduct. The closure of Aqueduct would have a devastating impact on the lives of these dedicated employees and negatively affect the surrounding and ancillary businesses.

Having year-round racing has helped not only the local employment and economy of the surrounding community, but also has a tremendous impact on the entire racing industry's economy. New York horse breeders have an outstanding reputation throughout the nation and breed some of the finest animals racing today. New York breed horses benefit tremendously from winter racing at Aqueduct. NY Breeds Foundation races are regularly held at Aqueduct, especially in the winter months. Additionally, conditions at the Aqueduct racetrack are uniquely suited to many races held there. These horses are showcased and introduced at what is oftentimes considered the premier racetrack, Aqueduct.

When VLTs (Video Lottery Terminals) were shunned by all other communities, the local community around Aqueduct welcomed the opportunity to strengthen Aqueduct and enhance the local economy. I, along with the community, have been working diligently to ensure that when the VLTs began operating at Aqueduct, they were to be a premiere and state of the art facility. Due to tremendous inaction on the part of the executive branch of our government, the VLTs have stalled time and time again. Currently, the legislation authorizing VLTs does not allow for the placement of VLTs at Belmont or Saratoga and designates VLTs at Aqueduct.

Aqueduct is a viable and important part of the local community as well as the racing community. I will do everything in my power to ensure that racing at Aqueduct continues as a part of the New York state racing industry.

Assemblymember Audrey I. Pheffer represents the 23rd Assembly District, including Ozone Park and Rockaway Beach.