view raw text
John Morris Has No Plan To Build New N. Y. Track Associations Need More Revenue Before Considering Construction SARATOGA, Saratoga Springs, N. Y., Aug. 21. Questioned concerning published reports emanating from Ashley Trimble Cole, chairman of the New York Racing Commission, that a new race track would be constructed on Long Island within the next five years, John A. Morris, president of Jamaica, said that he knew of no plans for such a track. Mr. Morris added that such a track, which the racing commission chairman said could be built on the site of Aqueduct race track for 2,000,000, could not be considered until the racing associations received at least 5 per cent of the total pari-mutuel take, which is now almost 16 per cent, including breakage. Mr. Morris apparently refers to financial plans as it is known that architectural plans for a new track at Aqueduct were drawn at least five years ago, thatjt is understood that other plans, more of less detailed, have been drawn since that time. Proposals for a much-needed modern race track in the Metropolitan New York area have been announced periodically since the end of World War n., but nothing has thus far materialized. So far as can be learned the New York Racing Associations have made no effort thus far to obtain the additional 1 per cent in revenue which Mr. Morris said today is necessary before construction of a new track is seriously contemplated. When asked to join the New York division of the Horsemens Benevolent and Protective Association in an appeal to Governor Thomas E. Dewey for a relief from the present high take of 15 per cent plus breakage, and a larger share of the reduced take, for the tracks, Mr. Norris is reported by the horsemen to have said: "We do not feel that the time is propitious for any request for additional revenue, since we have no definite "plans for the construction of a new track at this time." Commissioner Cole was quoted "as saying that "A new track is the answer for New York racing but it is not possible under the present statutory restrictions in respect to thg mutuel take. The legislature may recognize the desirability of a new track and the need for its co-operation. "We are rapidly approaching the point of no return here in New York, due partly to New Jersey competition, to the large amounts of money bet at the harness racing tracks, and to the fact that the bettors are becoming more tax conscious. "You cant expect the track owners to build a new track under the present set-up. The commission has pointed out this fact to the legislature in its annual report and has so told the Wicks Committee. But, the commission has no power to change these things, and in respect to these questions, the commission can express an opinion only if asked." I
