New York Racing Association

Capital Program Operations

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) is a not-for-profit organization franchised by New York State to conduct racing and pari-mutuel wagering at the State’s three major thoroughbred racetracks: Aqueduct, Belmont Park and Saratoga. We examined NYRA’s capital planning, contract award and contract monitoring practices and identified a number of serious weaknesses. For example, there was not always adequate written justification supporting the reason for capital projects or evidence of discussions or analyses regarding project priorities. As a result, it was not evident why NYRA officials decided to go ahead with certain projects, while shelving others. We also found that contracts were not always awarded in a fully competitive manner, bid openings were not public, change orders were not adequately controlled, and the work of the contractors often was not monitored by NYRA. We further noted that essential capital improvements to NYRA properties had been postponed because of limited financial resources. We recommended that a number of improvements be made in NYRA’s capital planning, contract award and contract monitoring practices.

For a complete copy of Report 2005-S-52 click here.
For a copy of the 90-day response click here.