![An empty Belmont Park Winners Circle on May 4, 2023.](https://imgproxy.gridwork.co/nubSYG_pFQHOnu4yxgyfKxlSBqOKfY4GQycC3D6tpCs/w:750/h:650/rt:fill/g:fp:0.5044:0.1515/q:90/f:jpg/el:1/aHR0cHM6Ly9zMy51cy1lYXN0LTIuYW1hem9uYXdzLmNvbS9ueXNmb2N1cy9JTUdfMzE0OC5qcGc.jpg)
New York is shelling out public money to keep the declining horse race industry afloat — and in 2023, it’s doubling down.
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New York’s biggest racetracks have been declining for decades. They’ll likely need more state subsidies to cover their debts.
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Hochul says it “goes without saying” that a taxpayer-funded track renovation will bring jobs and boost attendance. Her proof: an industry-commissioned study that she refuses to release.
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A conversation with consultant Shuprotim Bhaumik, whose firm wrote a study arguing that New York state can revitalize the failing horse racing industry by funding a $455 million track renovation.
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Dozens of horses die at the Long Island track each year. Governor Hochul — and now the state legislature — want to give it a state-funded renovation.
![An empty Belmont Park Winners Circle on May 4, 2023.](https://imgproxy.gridwork.co/s28qc7pwYGexjkPx-33XoOcf2f39v1FgnomwZgvVoqg/w:600/h:400/rt:fill/g:fp:0.5044:0.1515/q:90/f:jpg/el:1/aHR0cHM6Ly9zMy51cy1lYXN0LTIuYW1hem9uYXdzLmNvbS9ueXNmb2N1cy9JTUdfMzE0OC5qcGc.jpg)
At Belmont Park’s opening day, local brass celebrated a windfall of state cash. Hardly any fans showed up.