by Paul Ramlow, USTA Internet News Manager

Columbus, OH — A preliminary agreement reached Monday between New Jersey’s horse racing leaders and state officials would see Meadowlands Racetrack’s fall thoroughbred meet eliminated. The deal would leave the Meadowlands with harness racing only, while Monmouth Park would become the sole place in the state to see Thoroughbreds. Monmouth’s number of thoroughbred racing dates would be sharply reduced — but its daily purses tripled.

According to a story in the Bergen Record, the deal must be finalized and approved by the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority board. Also, the state legislature must approve a reduction in the number of racing dates.

Michael Drewniak, a spokesman for New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, told the paper that the deal would help preserve jobs in the state during a difficult economic climate.

The deal would be for this year only, although supporters expect to see the plan made permanent if the changes prove successful.

The agreement was worked out with the state’s Thorougbred Horsemen’s Association and the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey.