Page "Aqueduct Racetrack" Paragraph 10

In May 2007, reports indicated that then-New York Governor Eliot Spitzer was considering closing Aqueduct and selling the track and its stables, which currently house 400 horses, to developers when the New York Racing Association lease expired at the end of 2007.

According to the reports, Belmont Park, which is east in Elmont, New York, would have become a nearly year-round track and would get the video lottery machines authorized to operate at Aqueduct.

Belmont Park would have been modified to handle winter requirements which would have included heated stands and the construction of new stables.

According to the plans that were discussed, the oldest and most historic track in the state, Saratoga Race Course, would have been operated by the New York Racing Association and a new entity would have operated Belmont Park.

Aqueduct traditionally has been considered a track frequented by blue collar fans while Belmont Park has a more upscale reputation.