The New York Racing Association (NYRA) says it is facing a cash crisis that could threaten the Belmont Stakes and thoroughbred racing's Triple Crown.The NYRA is waiting for the state government to approve poker machines at the Aqueduct racetrack.NYRA President Charlie Hayward said that unless state lawmakers agree to allow poker machines soon at Aqueduct, the NYRA may need another $US30 million ($A34.02 million) bailout from the state to save the racing season at Belmont which includes the final

The New York Racing Association (NYRA) says it is facing a cash crisis that could threaten the Belmont Stakes and thoroughbred racing's Triple Crown.

The NYRA is waiting for the state government to approve poker machines at the Aqueduct racetrack.

NYRA President Charlie Hayward said that unless state lawmakers agree to allow poker machines soon at Aqueduct, the NYRA may need another $US30 million ($A34.02 million) bailout from the state to save the racing season at Belmont which includes the final leg of the Triple Crown.

Such threats have been made before by the private group, which runs thoroughbred racing and state tracks under a franchise.

But Hayward insists the NYRA is down to about $11 million in cash, $4 million short of projections, because of a debt owed by the New York City Off-Track Betting Corp, which has also been perennially troubled.

"We think we're going to burn through that $11 million sometime in May or June," Hayward told The Associated Press.

He said if the NYRA could not be assured of a steady flow of cash from poker machines at Aqueduct or from the state which is also trying to address deficits, then the racing group would not open the Belmont track on Long Island this spring because of seasonal commitments that would have to be made to horse owners.

Legislative leaders and Governor David Paterson, however, have been unable to agree on a vendor, who would have to pay $200 million up front to the state.

The most recent process, part of an effort for more than half a decade to put a poker machine centre in the Aqueduct track in Queens, is months overdue.

Paterson said that if it was in his power he would make the decision "in 10 minutes," but legislative leaders won't agree.

He said, however, he may soon announce his choice to force an agreement.

As for the threat to the Belmont Stakes?

"I have no information as to whether that is right or isn't," Paterson said.

Some of the revenue, estimated at $1 million a day, would go to NYRA, which operates the Belmont, Aqueduct and Saratoga tracks.