New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo wants to dip into race purse accounts to take $1.5 million to $2 million per year for equine safety programs at the state’s racetracks.

The proposal to "redirect" 1% of video lottery terminal (VLT) purse enhancements was contained in the governor’s 2013 state budget plan. Cuomo, in his written budget submission, said the money will go to programs proposed by the Task Force on Racehorse Health and Safety, which was created following a rash of equine deaths at Aqueduct Racetrack last winter.

"Specific recommendations include hiring of an equine medical director, regulatory veterinarians. and inspectors; computerizing test barns; making the drug-testing program more efficient; acquiring new and advanced testing equipment; and requiring necropsies to be performed at a veterinary diagnostic laboratory," according to a memo Cuomo’s budget staff prepared to accompany the budget proposal.

The funding will be directed by the new state Gaming Commission, which is scheduled to become active as a new state department Feb. 1. It will take over the duties of the Department of Lottery and the New York State Racing and Wagering Board