NYRA Assumes a Leadership Role in the CAW Battle
Give credit where it’s earned. The New York Racing Association just announced a meaningful, concrete move to rein in CAW-driven odds chaos—and it matters.
Starting February 5, CAW activity will be required to stop at one minute to post across all pools not already restricted. That’s not lip service. That’s a guardrail. And it directly targets the late-stage odds volatility that has frustrated retail players for years.
NYRA already led the way back in 2021 by cutting CAW access to the win pool at two minutes to post, a policy that noticeably reduced last-flash price shocks. Now they’re expanding that philosophy—smartly and comprehensively—to other pools. The stated goal is pricing transparency and a better wagering experience. NYRA has also banned CAW’s from the late Pick 5 and Pick 6. On this one, the action backs up the words.
Here’s the part that deserves extra acknowledgment: NYRA owns a stake in Elite Turf Club. That makes this move even more significant. It would’ve been easy to look the other way. Instead, NYRA chose to lean into balance, not just handle.
Is this the final fix to the CAW issue? No. But it’s a positive, measurable step toward leveling a playing field that’s been tilted for too long. Progress in this sport tends to come inches at a time. This was a solid inch—maybe more.
Well done, NYRA. This is what leadership looks like.
