N.Y. horsemen lose Bomze

Richard Bomze will step down from his position as president of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association in late June because of ongoing health problems, the association announced on Wednesday.

Bomze, who has won election as the association's president for the last three elections, will be replaced by Richard Violette, the group's current vice president. The next election for president is scheduled for the fall of 2008.

Bomze, who lives in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., has owned and bred Thoroughbreds since 1972. His most popular runner was Fourstardave, who won a race at Saratoga Racecourse eight consecutive years.

Last year, Bomze heavily supported the horsemen's association's decision to join Empire Racing Associates, a group bidding for the franchise held by the New York Racing Association. As a result of the support, the horsemen's association received a minor equity share in the company.