No NYRA betting at Meadowlands, other harness tracks

MidAtlantic Cooperative LLC, the simulcast purchasing enterprise that represents 16 regional racetracks, including the Meadowlands, has been unable to reach a new simulcast agreement with New York Racing Association Inc. [NYRA].

Therefore, effective April 30, 2008, MidAtlantic Cooperative members will cease simulcasting NYRA racing from Belmont Park. The cessation will not affect the simulcast of the Belmont Stakes, for which a separate agreement has been reached.

MidAtlantic Cooperative could not accept NYRA’s unprecedented monetary demands for its Aqueduct, Belmont and Saratoga signals. A series of counter proposals, which would have provided significant increases to NYRA, were rejected by it.

“MidAtlantic Cooperative remains committed to reaching an acceptable contract and minimizing the interruption of simulcasts,” said Executive Director Martin Lieberman. “However, this is a necessary step to protect the long-term interests of our members. NYRA’s unreasonable price demands, if agreed to, will negatively impact our member racetracks’ ability to present live and simulcast racing in the region.”

The MidAtlantic Cooperative includes 16 member tracks and their off-track wagering entities, including: Meadowlands Racetrack, Monmouth Park, Freehold Raceway, Atlantic City Race Course, Philadelphia Park, Penn National Race Course, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, Charles Town Races, Delaware Park, Dover Downs, Harrington Raceway, Ocean Downs, Rosecroft Raceway, Colonial Downs, Suffolk Downs and Rockingham Park. (Meadowlands)

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