Paul Post writes in the Saratogian - “he long-awaited deal to name an Aqueduct Race Track gaming operator has fallen apart, casting a pall over New York’s racing industry.

Gov. David Paterson on Thursday announced withdrawal of his support for Aqueduct Entertainment Group LLC to run the racino that’s slated to get 4,500 video lottery terminals.

The facility would give New York Racing Association the funds needed to boost purses and make much-needed Saratoga Race Course improvements. Without it, NYRA’s ability to continue racing might be in doubt, but the firm declined comment about the deal’s collapse.

“The Division of the Lottery has concluded that it cannot issue a gaming license to Aqueduct Entertainment Group (AEG),” Paterson said. “Therefore, the state has officially withdrawn its support for AEG to develop and operate a VLT facility at Aqueduct. The executive branch advocates that the selection of the Aqueduct VLT franchisee be done pursuant to an expedited, transparent, apolitical and publicly accountable procurement process.”

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