BILL NUMBER: S9183
SPONSOR: ADDABBO
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the racing, pari-mutuel wagering and breeding law, in
relation to eligibility requirements for horses participating in the
three racing levels of the New York Sire Stakes program
 
PURPOSE:
This bill clarifies eligibility for participation in the New York Sire
Stakes program by providing that any horse sired by a registered stal-
lion standing in New York State is eligible to compete, regardless of
where the mare was bred or foaled. Existing language that allows bonus
awards for those mares residing in New York in the year of conception
shall be preserved.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 of the bill amends subdivision 1 of section 334 of the Racing,
Pari-Mutuel Wagering and Breeding Law to provide that all horses sired
by a registered New York stallion are eligible for the three racing
levels of the New York Sire Stakes program, including the New York Sires
Stakes, Excelsior Series and County Fairs.
Section 2 provides the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The New York Sire Stakes program, which includes the Sire Stakes (A
level), Excelsior Series and County Fair races, was established to
promote the breeding, ownership, and racing of standardbred horses with-
in New York State. However, current statutory and regulatory language
has led to ambiguity and uneven interpretation as to whether horses
sired by registered New York stallions but conceived outside the state
are eligible for all of these races in the New York Sire Stakes program.
This amendment ensures that eligibility is tied directly to the
stallion's standing in New York, which is consistent with the program's
intent to incentivize the state's stallion industry and enhance economic
activity surrounding New York's standardbred breeding farms.
By guaranteeing eligibility for all horses sired by a New York stallion,
the bill will encourage greater investment in New York stallions,
support local breeding operations and agricultural employment, eliminate
confusion surrounding eligibility standards, and strengthen the competi-
tiveness of New York's harness racing industry with other state's stan-
dardbred racing programs.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.