Work Comp Rebates for New York Horsemen

[Wandering Eyes]

The New York Jockey Injury Compensation Fund Friday announced a plan that will further decrease the cost of workers’ compensation insurance for horsemen in New York. Working with the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and the New York Racing Association, the NYJICF received approval from the New York Gaming Commission to reduce the initial base payment for all NYRA owners and trainers from $1,250 to $1,000, a 33% drop over the 2018 assessment. In addition, the NYJICF will cover the per-stall fee of $1.60 per day for each trainer’s first 12 stalls from June 1 through Nov. 30, 2019, a savings of $3,513.60.

The base payment decrease is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2019. Owners and trainers who have already submitted the payment will receive a $250 refund.

The reductions were made possible by legislation that allows the JICF to take up to $2 million from the excess NYRA purse cushion to offset the high cost of workers’ compensation in the state.

“We appreciate the support and assistance of Governor Cuomo and the chairs of our Racing and Wagering Committees, Senator Addabbo and Assemblyman Pretlow, in finding additional avenues to reduce the cost of doing business in New York for our horsemen,” NYTHA President Joe Appelbaum said. “New York offers the very best racing in the country. By creating a more business-friendly environment, we can draw more horsemen to our tracks and make our racing product even stronger.”

Appelbaum emphasized an ongoing commitment to driving down the cost of workers’ compensation even further.

“Using the excess purse cushion to help our horsemen is a short-term strategy,” he said. “For the long-term, we will continue to improve our already enviable safety record and to explore alternate forms of insurance. That is where the biggest savings will be realized.”

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