Trenton, NJ – The Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey (SBOANJ) would like to acknowledge and thank Governor Phil Murphy and the New Jersey Legislature for passing and signing into law an essential measure to propel New Jersey’s horse racing and breeding industry. The $100 million over five years will be used for horse racing purse allocations and greatly increase the participation in the thriving industry in the Garden State.

“SBOANJ is grateful for the tremendous support the horse racing and breeding industry has received from the state and the continuous effort to ensure that the many careers and businesses created through the industry are protected,” said Mark Ford, president of the SBOANJ.  “The New Jersey Legislature and Governor Murphy have made it a priority to create a sound and reasonable appropriation in an effort to bring tremendous economic development to New Jersey.  For these reasons, we thank the sponsors and the governor for their leadership on this issue. This measure guarantees New Jersey’s position in the industry in order to compete with surrounding states.”

The horse racing industry and breeding farms not only heavily support the agribusiness and ensure thousands of jobs around the state, but they also aid and protect the preservation of open space in New Jersey.  The new law will encourage growth in these businesses and throughout the state’s economy.

SBOANJ would like to express its gratitude to all those who contributed to the remarkable work accomplished through our advocacy efforts.  The relentless work of the association, in conjunction with the valiant efforts of the state, will pay dividends for the horse racing and breeding industry as well as the economy as a whole, which will allow New Jersey to provide competitive purses that will undoubtedly attract the highest level of competitors in the harness racing back to the state.

SBOANJ is also appreciative of the support shown by their longstanding partners – the Meadowlands Racetrack, Freehold Raceway, the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen Association and the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association of New Jersey.

The Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey (SBOANJ) was established in 1961.  The membership is comprised of horse breeders, drivers, trainers, owners, and backstretch personnel, active and interested in the Standardbred horse industry in the State of New Jersey. Its mission is to support and promote the Standardbred industry in New Jersey by nurturing and preserving a favorable business climate, while striving to secure closer business and personal relationships among all industry participants throughout the state.