from the New Jersey Assembly Republicans

Trenton, NJ — Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Ron Dancer (R-Burlington, Ocean, Mercer and Monmouth) and Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande (R-Monmouth and Mercer) that reduces the number of required Standardbred racing dates at the Meadowlands Racetrack and Freehold Raceway tracks to 75 days each, if agreed to by the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey, was signed into law on Monday (April 11) by Gov. Christie.

Currently, the Meadowlands is required to hold no fewer than 141 racing dates while Freehold Raceway’s minimum requirement is 168 days.

“The horse racing industry is an important part of New Jersey from an economic, environmental and entertainment perspective,” said Dancer, who has been a staunch advocate for the industry. “Our objective is to create excitement at these racing venues in order make the industry vibrant and successful. New Jersey horse racing is a valuable commodity as it helps preserve open space and provides jobs. I am pleased that Gov. Christie and my colleagues in the Legislature gave this legislation their full support.”

“Allowing horsemen the flexibility to set their own schedules at these venues is a key part of the new law,” said Casagrande, who, like Assemblyman Dancer, has been a strong supporter of the horse racing industry. “The horsemen have the inside track as far as knowing what racing needs to be successful in New Jersey. Establishing the minimum number of dates at the Meadowlands and Freehold Raceway is a baseline, but we anticipate the track at Freehold Raceway will operate over 100 days this year. This law helps put control over racing into the hands of New Jersey’s horse industry, where it rightfully belongs.”