Asmussen, N.Y. officials reach agreement in labor dispute

Photo:

Ben Breland / Eclipse Sportswire

Trainer Steve Asmussen reached an agreement with the New York State Gaming Commission that allows him to avoid a hearing that could have resulted in a revocation of his license.

The Hall of Fame trainer agreed to pay to have his racing operations monitored throughout 2025 and 2026. The independent monitor, to be selected by the commission with input from the trainer, will provide quarterly reports indicating whether the stable is in compliance with labor laws.

The case stemmed from his being accused by federal and state authorities of shorting New York and Kentucky stable employees on overtime pay dating to 2010. The NYSGC served notice on Asmussen in June, saying the Hall of Fame trainer should prove whether he “is financially irresponsible, … been guilty of or attempted any fraud or misrepresentation, … violated or attempted to violate any law” … or “engaged in one or more improper, corrupt or fraudulent acts or practices in relation to racing.”

Between back-wage reimbursements and damage penalties from the state and the U.S. Labor Department, Asmussen was ordered to pay $562,196 to settle cases against him in New York. In a separate case involving 163 grooms and hot walkers in Kentucky, Asmussen has appealed a federal-court order to pay $486,520 in overtime pay and damages.

A hearing in the New York case was set for September and then delayed to Wednesday.

The commission said it would “discontinue” the case if it is satisfied that Asmussen is in compliance with federal and state labor,
employment, immigration and regulatory laws.

See the full agreement here.