NEW YORK (AP) The chairman of the board of the New York Racing Association is taking a leave of absence following allegations that his company provided a ''no-show'' job to the son of former state Senate leader Dean Skelos.
In a letter to Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday, Anthony Bonomo explained he didn't want ''recent events to distract from the ongoing work of the NYRA.'' The leave of absence is effective immediately.
Bonomo is CEO of a medical malpractice insurer that prosecutors say provided Adam Skelos with a ''no-show'' job while it lobbied his father on legislative matters. Neither Bonomo nor his company has been charged with any wrongdoing. Both Skelos and his son have pleaded not guilty in the corruption case.
Bonomo, a major political donor in New York, was appointed board chairman by Cuomo in April. He is also a thoroughbred breeder, operating Brooklyn Boyz Stables.
The scandal comes during the busiest week in New York racing, with American Pharoah trying to become the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years in the Belmont Stakes on Saturday.
