by Leon Zimmerman, for the New Jersey Sire Stakes

Rocknroll Hanover, harness racing’s horse of the year for 2005, was officially welcomed to the New Jersey standardbred breeding program by State Agriculture Secretary Charles M. Kuperus today at Perretti Farms in Cream Ridge, where the stallion now stands at stud.

“This is a significant milestone for our Sire Stakes Program and shows the industry is strong in New Jersey,” said Kuperus, who is a member of the NJSS Board of Trustees.

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NJ Agriculture Secretary Charles M. Kuperus officially welcomes the stallion Rocknroll Hanover, held by stallion manager Fidencio Cevantes, at Perretti Farms in Cream Ridge.

Rocknroll Hanover, a New Jersey-sired horse himself, earned $2.2 million in purse money last year, finishing in the money in all 18 starts and winning 12 races. With $530,781 earned as a two-year-old, the son of Western Ideal banked $2,784,038 in his career.

Among those taking part in the ceremonies were: Anthony Perretti, general manager of the farm; Dr. David A. Meirs II, chairman of the NJSS Board of Trustees; Christopher C. Castens, NJSS executive director, and Thomas Charters, president of the Hambletonian Society/Breeders Crown.

“We’re proud to have the opportunity to secure the horse of the decade for the important New Jersey Sire Stakes racing program and the state’s breeding industry,” said Perretti, whose farm became a part owner of the horse with Jeffrey S. Snyder and Lothlorein Equestrian Center.

Noting that a fire killed 12 broodmares and 12 foals in a receiving barn at the farm four days earlier, Perretti said that the visit by Kuperus added a more positive outlook for the future.

Kuperus, who also inspected the fire area, said he would seek ways for the state to help the farm and horse owners recover from the tragedy. He offered use of a barn at the nearby Horse Park of New Jersey until the farm can erect a new barn.