The gate crew problem at NYRA tracks goes back before the SPA meet. Bruce Johnstone, former trainer was hired by NYRA months ago to take over various duties including the gate crew.Retirements and resignations have left an inexperienced crew to say the least. There have been meetings with the horsemen recently about this problem with all parties working together on this very serious problem.Management is looking at the problem day by day.

The problem does go back to NYRA'S money woes and should have been addressed some time ago.In light of the problem, So Cal, the stewards are refunding the players at ANY sign of a gate crew error/problem and more so than in the past.The p4/p6 prices were slaughtered because of the double winners of the 8th.

The three blind mice are sensitive to the gate crew problem and also have been making lots of "insufficient" calls on foul claims, so far(rare takedowns).I guess I'd rather they do it this way until it gets fixed, otherwise you could get screwed out of a chance for a big score if a gate crew guy compromises the chance of a horse you need.


Mike