Yonkers, NY — The Standardbred Owners Association of New York has announced that effective immediately it will waive for two months insurance payments from the existing participants in its Welfare Fund which provides health insurance coverage to eligible trainers, drivers and grooms.

The waiver will apply to payments due for the months of April and May. Participants who have already made payments for April will receive a two month credit covering May and June payments.

“Beyond the devastating health consequences that have so tragically befallen a number of participants in our local harness racing family, our members are enduring significant financial hardship during this period of the temporary closure of Yonkers Raceway,” said Peter Venaglia, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Welfare Fund. “The SOA’s Trustees want to ensure those who are covered by our Welfare Fund that health insurance for our members will remain in full force and effect during this period, with the SOANY paying the full cost of the health insurance premiums.”