Decreasing race days at Monmouth Park Race Track Bayshore Courier News Posted:05/13/10
Click on picture to Zoom
A bill sponsored by Senator Jennifer Beck that creates the first 71-day race meet in the nation for Monmouth Park Racetrack was voted out of the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee today.
"Horseracing is a historic pastime of New Jerseyans," said Beck, "but in recent years gaming and racing competition outside the State has been growing. By decreasing the number of racing days, the purse size increase will attract high quality horses to race at Monmouth Park. This is an exciting time for New Jersey citizens, as this new meet structure is drawing national and international attention. The implementation of this bill will act as a real incentive for people to come out and enjoy Monmouth Park."
Senate Bill S-1811 reduces the minimum number of Thoroughbred racing dates to 71 at Monmouth Park, and to zero at the Meadowlands, for the calendar year 2010. Under the current law, Monmouth Park and the Meadowlands must schedule a minimum of 141 live racing days combined.
Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande and Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon sponsor the bill in the General Assembly. It passed out of the Assembly Regulatory Oversight and Gaming Committee on May 6th.
"Keeping the horseracing industry competitive," said O'Scanlon, "is more than just working towards getting people to go to the track, because, in the end, this industry reaches out to so many aspects of our State's economy. This is about horse farmers and trainers, as well as prevention of sprawl and preservation of open space."
"Pennsylvania and New York are mounting serious campaigns to get a share of New Jersey gaming dollars," said Casagrande. "We need to take steps to ensure the horseracing industry's future in our State. This bill gives Monmouth Park and the Meadowlands the tools they need to stay competitive in the 2010 racing season."
