New York’s top racing watchdog is out of a job, and the state’s horse tracks are now dealing with the fallout from a doping scandal that will not go away quietly.
The official who oversaw racing investigations for the New York State Gaming Commission has resigned after reporting revealed the agency failed to act on federal evidence tied to a sprawling horse-doping operation. The move has left regulators scrambling to reassure everyone from owners to casual bettors that the playing field really is level from Saratoga to Belmont.
Resignation follows New York Focus probe
Andrew Rakowsky, the commission’s director of racing investigations, resigned in lieu of termination after being placed on leave. His downfall followed a report from New York Focus, which found that he received federal evidence in 2023 and neither shared it internally nor moved to pursue enforcement based on it.
Convicted vet led the ring
At the center of the case is veterinarian Seth Fishman, whom federal prosecutors say designed and distributed custom, hard-to-detect performance-enhancing drugs for horse trainers. Fishman was convicted in Manhattan federal court and later sentenced to 11 years in prison, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, reported by the DOJ Southern District of New York.
Albany leaders press for accountability
In Albany, Governor Kathy Hochul’s office and state lawmakers have signaled they expect real consequences if the Gaming Commission’s internal review uncovers wrongdoing. The agency says that inquiry is ongoing and that it has already begun searching for Rakowsky’s replacement, according to the Brooklyn Eagle.
Agency posts job, search begins
The commission formally posted a vacancy for Director of Racing Investigations on February 18. The state listing outlines responsibilities that include directing field investigations and overseeing inquiries at racetracks across New York. The position is detailed on StateJobsNY, with further coverage from industry outlet Paulick Report.
What this means for tracks and bettors
The scandal has stirred uncomfortable questions for New York racing. Among them, whether earlier positive tests or suspicious drug purchases were properly investigated, and whether doped horses may have been allowed to compete while concerns went unaddressed. New York Focus reported that the commission has already subpoenaed at least one person linked to purchases from Fishman and that officials have acknowledged shortcomings that are now under review.
Legal and regulatory consequences
The Gaming Commission has wide latitude to police the sport, including suspending or revoking licenses and conducting adjudications for medication violations. Any new findings from its investigation could result in license actions or criminal referrals under state rules. The commission’s regulations and published rulings, which explain how penalties are imposed, are available through the NYSGC.
