Asked today about the possibility that the New York Racing Association could run out of money before the meet at Saratoga gets underway, Gov. David Paterson insisted that is “not going to happen” on his watch.

“We have a plan to loan NYRA in the short term money to get through Saratoga, and we’re working on a long term to help them beyond that,” Paterson said.

Paterson rejected the suggestion that his plan to lend the cash-strapped racing association $17 million might have hit a legal snag. He professed to have no information about NYRA shutting down after the Belmont.

The governor admitted the Legislature hasn’t yet committed to passing legislation that would enable the government to float NYRA more money, but added: “We have it ready, and I think they’ll pass it.”