N.Y. governor's budget authorizes NYRA to construct drug testing lab

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Five years after the New York Racing Association began discussing the idea of constructing a world-class equine drug testing laboratory, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s 2021 budget gives the company authorization to do just that.

In a press release put out by the governor’s office Friday, Cuomo’s budget would permit NYRA to use capital funds to finance, construct, and equip a new state-of-the-art drug testing laboratory and research center.

“Horse racing remains an important industry in the many communities across New York but preserving integrity in the sport is paramount to its future success,” Cuomo said in the release. “Increasing the research capability of equine drug testing through this new state-of-the-art lab is critical to this effort and will help ensure a level playing field and consumer confidence once and for all.”

It remains unclear where this facility would be constructed. Currently, equine drug testing and research services are contracted between the state and Morrisville Auxiliary Corp., a not-for-profit arm of SUNY Morrisville. The proposal, which would be included in Cuomo’s budget (typically gets passed around April 1), continues the requirement that equine drug testing and research services would be housed at a state college or at a land grant university. Once constructed, NYRA would be required to enter a long-term lease with the New York State Gaming Commission, which would be responsible for operating or contracting to operate the testing and reach facility.

NYRA typically gets financing for capital projects from slot revenue legislated by the state.

NYRA began discussing the possibility of creating a state-of-the-art equine medical lab back in 2014 and more formally in 2017. Over the last few years, NYRA consulted with a variety of experts in the U.S and around the world.

The Equine Safety Committee of the NYRA Board, and the full board, renewed efforts in 2019 to further NYRA’s commitment to equine safety relying on science and research.

“The development and construction of a world-class equine medical laboratory would establish New York State as the national leader in the field of equine drug testing and research,” NYRA spokesman Pat McKenna said in a statement. “The authorization provided in the Governor’s executive budget proposal will allow NYRA to pursue the funding to design and construct a facility that will enhance the safety and integrity of the sport.”

McKenna went on to say that in NYRA’s role as the cornerstone of the state’s Thoroughbred industry, “NYRA is committed to advancing the most modern equine drug testing and scientific research of the horse to reduce risk and ensure the continued success of the sport.”

Cuomo’s budget also authorized NYRA to enter the Mid-Atlantic Drug Compact, designed to facilitate uniform passage of previously agreed-upon rules pertaining to equine medication and testing procedures.

► In other NYRA news, the company has named Renee Postel its chief financial officer, replacing Jelena Alonso, who was let go as chief accounting officer.

Postel will assume responsibility for accounting as well as finance and procurement.

Postel joins NYRA from Resideo Technologies, a publicly traded spinoff of Honeywell International, where she was president, global operations controller.