New York State’s harness racing industry is benefiting from more than $440,000 in new grants from the Agriculture & New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund.
The Fund, which promotes agriculture through the breeding of Standardbred horses and equine research and the state’s robust harness racing program, held its annual Grant Awards Celebration at the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame in Goshen on Monday, July 3. The event also kicked off the first County Fair Races of the year at the Goshen Historic Track.
“New York’s harness racing industry is a significant contributor to our state’s agricultural, historical and cultural makeup,” said Fund Chair Brian O’Dwyer, who announced the grants at the event. “These grants build on New York’s ongoing commitment to Standardbred horse breeding, racing and research and the Fund is proud to recognize these worthwhile organizations for their continued stewardship of the sport.”
Four organizations were awarded grants to support research, educational programs and promote harness racing in New York State:
- New York State 4-H Horse Program - $200,000 for its statewide program
- Morrisville College Foundation - $95,587 for therapy and technology equipment
- Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame - $90,728 for its education department
- Goshen Historic Track - $54,437 for ongoing restoration and upgrades
Assemblyman J. Gary Pretlow, who chairs the Assembly’s Committee on Racing and Wagering, joined Chairman O’Dwyer in presenting the cheques.
The grants are funded via statutory payments from racetracks, off-track betting corporations, video lottery terminal facilities and casinos. The Fund Board reviewed all submissions and unanimously determined to present grants to these four entities in recognition of the important role they play in supporting the harness racing industry.
(Agriculture and New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund)