Freehold, NJ — The Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey’s (SBOANJ) annual board of director’s meeting and election was held on Friday (Nov. 15) at Freehold Raceway. The board would like to thank all those who attended and their input.

The committee summary reports were given by the board of directors. Tom Pontone reported that the Pension Funds continue to benefit from the change of investment managers. Both the Pension Fund and Insurance Fund have a positive gain of over 10 percent.

Mark Ford reported that racing days in New Jersey are still in negotiations however, he is hopeful that 2020 race dates will be similar or better than 2019 dates.

Al Ochsner reported that the Benevolent Fund continues to assist many members and horsemen with special needs and health issues. Mike Klau reported that breeding in New Jersey is on the rise and is projecting that 1,000 mares will be bred in 2020, the most since 2008.

Insurance committee chairman Anthony Romano announced that there should not be any changes to the current insurance program or increased premiums for 2020. However, coverage and benefits will be reviewed to keep up with rising prescription costs.

Anthony Perretti expressed the importance of maintaining the relationships that TrotPAC has built with legislators that helped passed the appropriations bill. Perretti stated, “now is a crucial time for our industry we must stay proactive with legislators to continue to receive the appropriations that we were awarded.”

The board of directors election results were announced; Mike Klau and Mark Mullen were each re-elected in the breeder category as they ran unopposed. Anthony Perretti and Anthony Romano were each re-elected in the owner category. Yannick Gingras ran unopposed in the driver/trainer category and will remain on the board.

The SBOANJ would like to thank all members who ran and voted in this year’s election. It is important to have members involved in all aspects of the election.