NYRA statement regarding NYSGC response to U.S. Attorney indictments

by NYRA Press Office

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) applauds and supports the actions taken by the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) to suspend the licenses of 12 horsemen named in Monday's indictments by the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.

On Tuesday, the NYSGC suspended the licenses of the following individuals named in the indictment: Henry Argueta, Alexander Chan, Rick Dane Jr., Jorge Navarro, Christopher Oakes, Kristian Rhein, Nicholas Surick, Jason Servis, Michael Tannuzzo, Conor Flynn and Scott Mangini. The NYSGC then suspended the license of Christopher Marino on Wednesday. 

NYRA has barred all 12 individuals from NYRA properties and will scratch the three horses - Deputy Flag, Grumps Little Tots and Fair Regis - entered by Jason Servis for Friday's card at Aqueduct Racetrack. In addition, the NYSGC, with the support of NYRA, announced horses previously under the care of trainers Jason Servis, Jorge Navarro and Michael Tannuzzo will not be permitted to enter to race in New York State for an indefinite period [no shorter than 30 days].

As of Wednesday, the 39 horses previously trained by Jason Servis and the 12 horses in the care of Michael Tannuzzo that were stalled on NYRA property have been transferred to the care of a new trainer, per the discretion of the owner of each individual thoroughbred and will be allowed to continue training on NYRA property.

NYRA remains committed to preserving and protecting the integrity of the sport and the safety of the equine and human athletes who compete at our tracks. In February, NYRA formed a robust Safety and Integrity Team with the addition of Safety Stewards Juan Dominguez and Tim Kelly to complement a unit that includes Safety Steward Hugh Gallagher and Jean Claude Jaramillo, NYRA's Equine Investigator Specialist. 

The Safety and Integrity Team are instrumental in matters relating to the health and welfare of equine athletes, jockeys and exercise riders. The Safety and Integrity Team have overseen and monitored the transfer of the horses previously under the care of the trainers named in the indictment. As the boots on the ground leaders with regard to NYRA Safety and Integrity, the team will continue to focus on maintaining and expanding best practices during morning training, afternoon racing, and in the barn areas at NYRA tracks in coordination with the NYSGC. 

For more information on NYRA safety and integrity measures, please visit https://www.nyrainc.com/about/nyra-safety 

About the New York Racing Association (NYRA)

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) holds the exclusive franchise to conduct thoroughbred racing at Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course.

NYRA tracks are the cornerstone of New York State's thoroughbred industry, which is responsible for 19,000 jobs and more than $3 billion in annual statewide economic impact. 

Accredited by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association Safety and Integrity Alliance, NYRA is a founding member of the Thoroughbred Safety Coalition, a group of the nation's leading racing organizations working collaboratively to advance safety measures across the sport. 

Over the course of 217 days of live racing in 2019, NYRA generated more than $2.1 billion in all-sources wagering handle with paid attendance exceeding 1.5 million.