The Asbury Park Press has reported that the administration of New Jersey governor Jon Corzine cancelled yesterday's meeting with the state-constructed Commission on the Horse Racing Industry via email just days after panel member Tom Luchento stated on the record that anything the panel is doing right now is an exercise in futility

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Luchento, the head of the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey, made the comments after learning that the governor was quoted as saying he was against the implementation of just VLTs at state racetracks.

The Commission on the Horse Racing Industry's mandate from the state is to identify, assess and recommend possible funding solutions for horse racing after 2010 and propose long-term funding solutions that will promote the sport's viability in New Jersey.

According to the Asbury Park Press report, the meeting was cancelled because not enough members could attend.

Commenting on Corzine's prior remarks, panel member Dennis Drazin, president of the Monmouth Park-based Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, said, "I think the panel will have to forge on and grasp what the governor was reported to have said. There is an analysis that slot machines at race tracks would only be half a loaf and that a full-fledged casino that benefits the racing industry might be the direction we need to take, and I haven't seen where the governor has ruled that out."

Click here to the read the Asbury Park Press article in its entirety.

(With files from Asbury Park Press)