Did you know that roughly 75% of horseracing in the U.S. is propped up by taxpayer subsidies?
This means that even if we win the war for hearts and minds - and we are well on our way to doing just that - as long as these subsidies remain on the books, the exploiters and killers will continue to laugh all the way to the bank.
Horseracing Wrongs is fighting this head on in New York State.
Last month, Governor Kathy Hochul released her 2023 budget, which included a state-backed loan of $455 million to the New York Racing Association (NYRA) to rebuild Belmont Park. This loan would be repaid through the millions of dollars - $130M annually, that is - that NYRA already receives in subsidies - the same subsidies Horseracing Wrongs and the Coalition to End Horseracing Subsides is working to end with a bill in the NYS Legislature.
This proposal would not only perpetuate the cycle of taxpayer-funded subsidies for horseracing but also exacerbate an already deadly situation.
Belmont Park is currently the deadliest track in New York State, and if this proposal is approved, the "New" Belmont would become the deadliest track in the U.S.!
Hundreds more intelligent and beautiful horses will die for $2 bets.
Wednesday, I, Patrick, and a host of smart, dedicated, and passionate HW volunteers went to the NYS Capitol in Albany for a press conference and lobby day on Governor Hochul’s proposed $455M loan to the New York Racing Association to rebuild Belmont Park.
Immediately following the press conference, we led our activists over to the governor’s office to present a mock trophy (photo below) to Ms. Hochul for intending to build what would become the deadliest racetrack in America. Then it was off to 72 key legislative offices for an intense, productive afternoon of lobbying during which our team distributed more than 100 booklets detailing the deaths of almost 1,000 horses killed on NYS tracks since 2014.
We are a small, but hardworking organization fighting an industry with deep pockets. We are grateful for the unwavering support of our donors who share our mission and our passion for saving the lives of horses.
Together, we can create a ripple effect that will save the lives of thousands of horses across the country, starting with New York.
The horses need us now more than ever. Please donate. Thank you!