N.Y. Daily News lays off its only racing writer

The New York Daily News on Thursday laid off its full-time racing writer and will no longer cover the sport on a daily basis, leaving no major newspaper in New York with daily racing coverage.

Jerry Bossert, the Daily News’s only full-time racing reporter, was informed of the decision Thursday, the day before the opening of the Saratoga Race Course meet. He declined to comment when contacted Friday.

Bossert had covered racing for the Daily News since 1994. During the Saratoga meet, he supplied daily coverage of the races while also providing analysis of the cards and handicapping tips.

Last year, the New York Post laid off its racing writers on the eve of the Belmont Stakes. The New York Times has not covered the sport on a daily basis for a decade, although it has a reporter, Joe Drape, who covers the sport regularly.