03/14/2013 2:59PM

New York Racing Association to solicit fan input at Belmont Park forum

By Matt Hegarty
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The New York Racing Association plans to hold a forum for racing fans in late May at Belmont Park to solicit comments and feedback about the association’s customer service and its racing policies, track officials said on Thursday.

NYRA will ask visitors to its website to submit questions and comments prior to the meeting, according to Rodnell Workman, NYRA’s chief marketing officer. The meeting will last approximately one hour, Workman said during a conference call with members of NYRA’s Public Hearings and Communications Committee on Thursday afternoon.

Bobby Flay, a NYRA director and member of the committee, recommended that track officials limit the time that specific topics can be discussed, citing his desire to avoid a one-hour discussion, for example, over raceday medication policies.

“I would hate to see the entire public forum just become one crazy debate,” Flay said.

Workman also said that NYRA plans to hold a “fan festival” on June 7, the day before the Belmont Stakes, to “encourage awareness and attendance” at the race, the third leg of the Triple Crown and Belmont’s most high-profile race. The event will be held at a yet-to-be-determined location in Manhattan, Workman said.

Bruce Epstein 6 months ago
Waist of time, just ask a real horse player, who is sick and tired of what is offered at NYRA tracks. No high-rollers area, (so we're put in with the $2 bettor). No upgraded area's to handicap. Basically no perks. Take a look at what the've done at Lone Starr for high rollers. We wanna come back, but you don't give a dam to get us back.