Five thoroughbred trainers charged with underpaying backstretch workers face possible license revocation for their refusal to make payments.  The five are among 17 trainers who still owe the state a combined $107,000 following a 2008 investigation that found backstretch workers weren’t being paid adequately.

The state Labor Department probe at Saratoga Race Course found that numerous workers were making less than minimum wage and not being paid overtime, as required by law.

“No one is going to be getting a license from the Racing and Wagering Board if they break the law, particularly at a track that’s now owned by the state, such as Saratoga,” said Joseph Mahoney, board spokesman. “Chairman (John) Sabini is not going to tolerate any failure by trainers to pay track workers. They ignored the Labor Department. They won’t be able to ignore this board.” (please click link to read full story)