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. . . New York HBP A Sends Letter To Governor on Mutuel Law Points Out High Take of 4 State Prompting Patrons to Go Racing in Other Sectors SARATOGA, Saratoga Springs, N. Y., Aug. 19. The New York division of the Horsemens Benevolent and Protective Association, through its vice-president, Sol Rutchick, has addressed the following self-explanatory letter to New Yorks governor, Thomas E. Dewey: , "The owners and trainers who have been racing consistently in New York for many years have been gravely apprehensive of the results of the New York pari-mutuel law as it affects competition with racing in the adjacent states. "New York has always been considered the heart of American racing. The best horses still race in New York but it is only a question of time under existing conditions until they will be attracted elsewhere and New Yorks racing will decline to the level of mediocrity. "There should be no question in anyones mind that the incentive to build a new race track in New York is lacking because of the tremendous differences in the possible revenue from the same business in other states. The public will naturally flock to a race track where the over-all deduction from the mutuel handle is appreciably lower. There is no question but what the race tracks are restricted in their, ability to offer attractive stake and purse programs if .their income is so low that losses rather than profits would occur as a result of competition in other states. Takes New Jersey as Case in Point "New Jersey has reached a point where their attendance and handle are equal to and in some cases higher than that in New York on corresponding days. A good portion of the New York public naturally prefer to bet their money where they have a higher percentage of return with the total mutuel take being only 12 per cent. It is also reasonable to expect them to enjoy the modern conveniences and equipment which are made possible through the prosperity of the racing associations. "Because the New York racing associations operate mostly on antiquated properties and have to allocate the greater portion of their income to stakes and purses to meet competition, they are financially unable to do both things necessary for the permanent success of racing in New York, namely, 1 to spend the million of dollars needed to modernize or rebuild their race tracks and 2 at the same time to -increase their stake and purse program considerably to retain the caliber of stables which have been racing with us up to now. "The end of New Yorks leadership of American racing is only a question of a very short time. "We respectfully petition you to have analyses made including a count of the SOL RUTCHICK Vice-president of the New York division of the Horsemens Benevolent and Protective Association. increased number of cars with New York license plates at the New Jersey tracks of the situation in order that you may better protect the revenues of the state of New York by sponsoring relief in this program. "Our organization, the Horsemens Benevolent and Protective Association, is composed of the greater majority of owners and trainers throughout the United States. The New York division particularly, as well as the national body, stands solidly behind this request."
