In the first of a series of quarterly meetings, executives from the New York Racing Association took questions from customers in an hour-long question-and-answer session Nov. 15 at Aqueduct Racetrack.

Located in Longshots, the simulcast facility that opened in April, the meeting provided an opportunity for Chris Kay, NYRA president and CEO, to present the details of a $14 million investment in the Ozone Park facility. He highlighted new high-definition televisions and infield tote boards, new seating, and backstretch improvements that include more lighting and upgrades to dormitories.

Kay was joined by senior vice president and chief experience officer Lynn LaRocca, senior vice president of racing operations Martin Panza, and vice president and chief revenue officer David O’Rourke. They responded to queries about the racing schedule, the future of Aqueduct, and the sport’s customer base, touching on some of the issues that he discussed at NYRA’s board meeting Nov. 12.

Though similar customer forums in the past have verged on confrontational, the dozen or so people who turned out Saturday seemed less interested in complaining than in offering suggestions and learning about the future of NYRA.

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