NY lawmakers near a "substantive" pact on racing

ALBANY, New York, Feb 7 (Reuters) - New York lawmakers have agreed on "substantive provisions" for a pact extending the New York Racing Association's franchise for the state's three horse tracks, a top gubernatorial aide said on Thursday.

Democratic Gov. Eliot Spitzer has granted the nonprofit association, which filed for bankruptcy last year, several extensions of its franchise after clashes with the state senate and assembly blocked an accord.

Paul Francis, who runs government operations for Spitzer, did not confirm many details disclosed by Republican Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, including whether a deal for video lottery terminals at Aqueduct Racetrack with Capital Play Inc or SL Green Realty Corp (SLG.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) could be signed within 30 days after an accord was signed.

Spokesmen for the two companies and the New York Racing Association were not immediately available.

Capital Play's partners include the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority and Victoria Racing Club, according to its Web site: www.capitalplayny.com.

The New York Racing Association for decades has run Aqueduct, located in New York City's borough of Queens, Long Island's Belmont Park and upstate's Saratoga Race Course.

Bruno had fought hard against extending the association's franchise and on Thursday he did not say why he backed down.

Spitzer's aide, who spoke to reporters after Bruno, said: "The differences between us are language issues."

Warning that the accord still might change, Francis added: "I think on the substantive provisions we are essentially all on the same place."