State officials from New Jersey and leaders from the racing industries met on Monday and agreed to eliminate thoroughbred racing from the Meadowlands while adding additional standardbred dates

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Thoroughbred racing in New Jersey will now shift solely to Monmouth Park, which is operated by the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority.

"It's an unprecedented agreement," said Gov. Chris Christie's spokesman, Michael Drewniak. "Only weeks ago everyone was wondering if the end of horse racing in the state was upon us, so this is a pretty serious breakthrough. It keeps the horse racing industry viable, and it ensures that horse farms remain open space as operating and active farms."

Monmouth Park will use $2.27 million in unpaid purses from 2009 for its 2010 season in addition to receiving casino industry subsidies and financial support from the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association.

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