by Courtney Stafford, for the SBOANJ

Manalapan, NJ — This year’s Hambletonian was full of surprises from the absence of trotting star Walner, to the disqualification of what appeared to be the winner. With all of that one of the biggest surprises may have come off the track with the attendance of many political figures.

Lisa photo

Former New Jersey Governor and current State Senator Richard Codey awarded the Hambletonian Oaks trophy to Ariana G and her winning connections.

Hambletonian Day was full of friendly faces with New Jersey Gubernatorial candidate Kim Guadagno, State Senator Jennifer Beck, Assemblyman Ronald Dancer and former New Jersey Governor Richard Codey all present to show their support of the racing industry.

Codey awarded the Hambletonian Oaks trophy to Ariana G and her winning connections; Beck and Dancer presented the Cane Pace trophy to the winning connections of Huntsville, along with founding SBOANJ Director Taylor Palmer; and Ice Attraction took home the trophy for the Duenna which was presented by Guadagno and Dancer.

It was wonderful to see so many New Jersey politicians present on one of harness racing’s most important days. We are all hopeful that this is a sign of what is to come with continued political support for our sport.