The union representing the maintenance crew and starters at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y could go on strike Friday, threatening to dash I’ll Have Another’s hopes of taking the Triple Crown on Saturday.
The New York Racing Association (NYRA) has been in contract negotiations with the union for two years, and with more than 100,000 people expected to attend the historic edition of the Belmont Stakes, racing fans nervously await the decision.
Points of contention for the 150 workers at Belmont, Aqueduct and Saratoga are overtime and the structure of the work week. The union – IBEW Local 3 – contract expired in 2010 and was extended to February 2011. Members have carried on without a contract since then.
Stay tuned for updates.
More from Canadian Thoroughbred:
With stakes races on tap almost each weekend at Woodbine, it is important to revisit some of the famous horses who have won these events.
The Canadian champion has found a cozy spot to strut his stuff in Churchill Downs' Grade 3 turf stakes race worth $300,000.
The popular chestnut gelding, bred in Ontario by Richard Lister, has been retired by Eight Star Racing Stable and Vito Armata.
In a milestone event, the CTHS Ontario has launched its first digital sale with 60 mares, yearlings, weanlings and more up for bids.
