On Friday (May 29), the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey issued the following statement regarding the return of harness racing in New Jersey.

The Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey would like to thank Governor Murphy for reopening horse racing in the state of New Jersey.

On Friday (May 29), while New Jersey horsemen were busy qualifying at Gaitway Farms with the hopes of live racing returning soon, the governor announced the best news we have heard in over two months: Racing will resume at the Meadowlands Racetrack next Friday (June 5).

After weeks of working with Karyn Malinowski of the Rutgers Equine and Science Center to provide the safety protocols to return to racing at the No. 1 harness track in the world, The Meadowlands, we look forward to the long anticipated start next weekend.

The SBOANJ and all New Jersey horsemen are grateful that Governor Murphy and his administration, along with Judy Nason and the NJRC, worked with us to reopen racing at The Meadowlands. This announcement gives the horsemen of New Jersey the opportunity to get back to business.

With the successful conclusion of 24 qualifying races at Gaitway Farms while practicing safety protocols, we look forward to the return of the best racing in North America. Good luck and safe racing.

(SBOANJ)