The New York State Gaming Commission has approved a significant change to the rules governing coupled entries in Thoroughbred racing, largely eliminating the practice of grouping horses with common ownership or trainers into a single betting entry. This change aligns New York with many other states that have moved away from coupled entries, except in certain cases such as stakes races with purses under $50,000 or specific situations determined by the state steward. The decision follows a decade-long exception allowing some stakes races to run without coupled entries, which has not caused notable issues.

The New York Racing Association and Finger Lakes Racetrack support the change, highlighting that it will increase field sizes and betting interests, thereby generating more pari-mutuel handle and revenue for horsemen and tracks. The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and state officials, including Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, have also endorsed the update. While the exact implementation date is pending publication in the state register, the rule change is expected to modernize New York racing and benefit the wagering public by enhancing betting opportunities.