New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed into legislation bill A9234B/S9183 on Friday, July 17, clarifying Sire Stakes eligibility, ensuring that all foals sired by stallions registered in New York are eligible for the New York Sire Stakes Program, regardless of where they were conceived. This bill shall take effect immediately.
The Empire State Harness Horsemen’s Alliance, representing four horsemen associations in the state, applauded Governor Kathy Hochul for signing into law A9234B/S9183, stating that it is a critically important piece of legislation that clarifies Sire Stakes eligibility and secures the future of New York State’s Standardbred breeding industry. By ensuring that all foals sired by stallions registered standing in New York are eligible for the New York Sire Stakes Program regardless of conception location, this law removes previous implementation hurdles and provides a stable foundation for the industry’s continued growth. The Alliance praised the signing of this legislation, calling it a major victory for New York’s harness racing industry, effectively levelling the playing field with lucrative programs in competing states. The Alliance stated that, by preserving the crucial Breeders Awards for New York-sired offspring whose mares resided in the state for 180 consecutive days during the year of conception, this law ensures local agricultural investments continue to be prioritized.
“We are incredibly grateful to Governor Hochul for her leadership in signing this bill, which provides the clarity our industry has urgently needed,” said Joseph Faraldo, President of the Standardbred Owners Association of New York. “This legislation is a game changer that allows New York to remain the premier destination for Standardbred racing and breeding. We also owe a debt of gratitude to Assembly Member Carrie Woerner and Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. for their unwavering advocacy and for recognizing the vital role our industry plays in New York’s agricultural economy.”
The Alliance noted the clarification provided in this legislation is vital for maintaining the state’s competitive edge. By guaranteeing eligibility for all New York-Sired horses, the law encourages greater investment in local stallions and prevents the flight of breeding operations to other jurisdictions with more flexible standards.
“This law is about more than just eligibility for our prized horses; it’s about the thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in economic impact our industry generates for New York State,” said Mike Torcello, President of the Western New York Harness Horseman’s Association. “By modernizing our standards to match the realities of the industry, we are ensuring that New York-bred horses continue to be the gold standard on the national stage. This legislation strengthens our ability to compete with any racing program in the country.”
All Alliance organizations gave their full support to this crucial legislation, which will greatly benefit New York State's agricultural and racing industries. Rick Papa, President of the Harness Horse Association of Central New York, along with Alan Schwartz, President of the Monticello Harness Horsemen's Association, commended the Governor for her careful deliberation on this crucial measure.
Tom Grossman, owner of Blue Chip Farms, a premier breeding farm in Wallkill, New York, echoed the alliance's sentiments expressing gratitude to Governor Hochul and Assembly Member Woerner and Senator Addabbo, also calling the legislation "a true game-changer for New York breeding and agriculture.”
The Empire State Harness Horsemen’s Alliance represents the interests of horse owners, breeders, trainers and drivers throughout New York State. The organization remains committed to fostering a thriving racing environment that supports local agriculture and the statewide economy.
(With files from Empire State Harness Horsemen’s Alliance & Blue Chip Farms)