The full New Jersey Assembly today approved a measure encouraging the Hambletonian to remain at the

Meadowlands Racetrack.

Assemblyman Ron Dancer, R-Ocean, Burlington, Mercer and Monmouth, sponsored the resolution with hopes of keeping one of America’s oldest sporting events in New Jersey, where it has been held since 1981. In May, the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority’s exclusive negotiating rights to host the race beyond 2013 could expire.

“The Meadowlands is the longest-running host in the 85-year history of the Hambletonian and having it at another venue would be a great loss for horse racing and New Jersey,” Dancer said. “The Hambletonian is more than just a slice of Americana; it is the richest, most prestigious event in United States Trotting Triple Crown racing, which draws large numbers of spectators and world-wide interest. It would be foolish to lose an event of this magnitude when our state faces financial crisis.”

Dancer sponsored the bipartisan measure with Assemblyman Fred Scalera, D-Essex, Bergen and Passaic. It has the support of horse racing organizations, such as the Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey.

“The Hambletonian is a race that we’ve had for a number of years and it’s something all horsemen want to keep in New Jersey,” said Thomas F. Luchento, the association’s president. “It’s New Jersey’s premier race and we’re happy that Assemblyman Dancer and Assemblyman Scalera are helping us retain this for New Jersey.”

Hambletonian Society President Tom Charters said holding the race at the Meadowlands benefits the track, New Jersey and the Hambletonian.

“The Hambletonian festival at the Meadowlands has a tremendous reputation throughout the world as a harness racing destination for horses, horsemen and fans, and New Jersey is in an ideal location to attract media and generate world-wide interest,” Charters said. “We’re very pleased that the New Jersey General Assembly is working to keep the Hambletonian in New Jersey. We’ve been here for three decades and hope to stay here for many, many more.”

New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority President and CEO Dennis R. Robinson added: “The leading harness racetrack in the world should be the showcase for the sport’s signature race. Simply put we applaud Assemblyman Dancer’s commitment to helping the NJSEA keep The Hambletonian at The Meadowlands Racetrack for the next generation of racing fans around the world.”

(With files from New Jersey Assembly Republicans)