by Carol Hodes, for the SBOA of New Jersey

Manalapan, NJ — Horsemen in New Jersey got the best of all gifts: the guarantee that there will be racing at Meadowlands Racetrack in 2012.

On Tuesday (Dec. 20), the New Jersey Racing Commission awarded Jeff Gural and partners the license to operate harness racing at the Meadowlands. On Friday morning (Dec. 23), the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority’s Board of Commissioners ratified the 31-year lease.

“I think about where we were and how hard all of this was,” said Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association President Tom Luchento. “But from the brink of disaster last year, I think now we’ll be better off in the long run. We finally have something concrete.

“It was a long and arduous journey,” Luchento added. “I don’t consider us at the finish line yet, but the best news is that racing is on, beginning January 6, 2012, at the Meadowlands. There couldn’t be a better Christmas present.”

The agreement with the New Meadowlands Racetrack LLC, headed by Jeff Gural, turns over the operations of Meadowlands Racetrack on Dec. 24. The NMR LLC has been responsible for all costs of operating and managing Meadowlands Racetrack since June 1.

“This is a great day for the racing industry, its fans, and the people of New Jersey as we take a tremendous stride forward in achieving Governor Chris Christie’s goal of a self-sustaining racing industry in the State of New Jersey,” said NJSEA Chairman Mike Ferguson. “I want to publicly congratulate Mr. Gural and his team and the tireless efforts of the NJSEA management and Governor’s office in bringing this day about.”

Editor’s Note: Additional details can be found in a story on the northjersey.com website, which can be read by clicking on this link.