It has been reported that members of the harness racing community that race their horses at Monticello Raceway took to the Sullivan County Government Center this past Thursday (March 20) to have locals legislators hear their plight in regard to Monticello Raceway.

An article by the Times Herald-Record has quoted Monticello Harness Horsemen’s Association President Alan Schwartz as telling legislators that his organization believes that Empire Resorts, which operates live racing at the track, is “doing its best to eliminate horse racing in Monticello.”

Schwartz was also quoted as saying that his organization believes that Empire does not want a racetrack.

Empire is currently looking to build a casino resort at the site of the former Concord Hotel. The company is currently awaiting clarification from the state regarding requirements for casino expansion at the site of the proposed $600 million resort.

The report has quoted Charlie Degliomini, executive vice president for Empire Resorts/Monticello Casino & Raceway, as saying, “We have been operating harness racing since 1958, and in any scenario remain committed to improving, supporting and operating harness racing, either at our new location if we are a successful bidder, or at the current Monticello Raceway.”

(With files from the Times Herald-Record)

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