Ever since Governor Phil Murphy signed the $100 million, five-year purse appropriation into law on Valentine’s Day, the Standardbred industry has experienced a much heightened interest in New Jersey.

For example, in the last month, bookings to Lazarus N, “The Wonder from Down Under,” have increased dramatically to the point that his book is nearly full.

Mark Ford, president of the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey (SBOANJ), said, “I attribute the increased interest in our breeding program in part to the projected 75 per cent increase announced by the New Jersey Sire Stakes, as well as the allocation of a portion of the $100 million purse appropriation for purse bonuses for both breeders and owners of New Jersey-sired horses.”

Ford also pointed to the continued implementation of the stud fee rebate program for New Jersey pacing stallions as a contributing factor.

Mike Klau of Southwind Farms in Pennington, reported that “all three of our stallions — Muscle Hill, Walner and Tactical Landing — will have full books this year.”

Mike Gulotta of Deo Volente Farms said he expects both the newly-introduced international standout Lazarus, and Trixton, after an impressive first crop in 2018, to also have full books.

Additionally, Dr. Richard Meirs of Walnridge Farm indicated that he has added a few stallions to his roster and he anticipates another 30 or 40 breedings.

Clearly, the prospect of breeding over 700 mares in New Jersey in 2019 is a significant increase over 279 breedings in 2017 and 435 in 2018.

Gulotta, who serves as the treasurer of the SBOANJ, added that, “for years, we have been working on a renaissance of Standardbred racing and breeding in New Jersey and the tireless efforts by the SBOA and The Meadowlands management and the Thoroughbred horsemen, led by our lobbyist AJ Sabath, is already showing tremendous economic gain for the equine industry and for the state of New Jersey.”

The New Jersey legislators have given the overall New Jersey racing and breeding industry a great opportunity, and it certainly appears that their commitment and support will be greatly rewarded.

For further information about the various New Jersey stakes and breeding programs, as well as a listing of available stallions, please visit the SBOANJ website at sboanj.com.

(SBOANJ)