It has been announced that, effective March 16, 2020, all three New Jersey racetracks – Freehold Raceway, the Meadowlands Racetrack and Monmouth Park – are to remain closed until New Jersey Gov. Murphy’s Executive Order #104 relating to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic is either revoked or modified.

The New Jersey Racing Commission held a meeting at Monmouth Park on Wednesday, March 18 where Governor Murphy’s Executive Order #104 was addressed. To view the executive order, click here.

According to a release by the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey, the minimum days closed could be 30, ‘but due to the current conditions, the number would seem to be much greater.’

The SBOANJ has stated that it will evaluate the coronavirus outbreak in mid-April to determine the next course of action. The SBOANJ will be scheduling meetings with both harness tracks and the New Jersey Racing Commission to establish priorities and possible economic relief for the horsepeople.

(With files from the SBOANJ)