by Carol Hodes, for the SBOA of New Jersey

Manalapan, NJ — It is a tradition for the reigning Miss New Jersey to meet her equine counterpart in the winner’s circle of the Thomas D’Altrui Sr. Miss New Jersey Stakes for 3-year-old New Jersey-sired pacing fillies.

Lindsey Petrosh

This year the honors will go to Lindsey Petrosh, a 23-year-old Rowan University graduate student from Egg Harbor City. She will present the trophy on Saturday (August 4) at the Meadowlands Racetrack.

The Thomas D’Altrui Sr. Miss New Jersey, which has been contested since 1984, is the filly companion event to the Anthony Abbatiello New Jersey Classic, which debuted in 1980.

It was through the efforts of Hall of Fame trainer Anthony Abbatiello and longtime breeder Thomas D’Altrui Sr. that the Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey — the SBOANJ — was founded in 1961. The SBOANJ is the sponsor of both stakes.

A vocalist, Lindsey Petrosh performed the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” for the talent portion of this year’s Miss New Jersey pageant on June 16.

In January, she will compete for the title of Miss America.