The harness racing industry pleaded for it and has since received it. According to a New Jersey politician whom is also a racehorse owner, now is the time for the industry to walk the walk in regard to standardbred racing at the Meadowlands Racetrack

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On December 17, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie announced an agreement had been reached with New York racetrack owner-operator Jeff Gural to keep live harness racing at the Meadowlands beginning in January via a secured, short-term (three-month) financing plan.

Nancy Grbelja -- the mayor of NJ's Millstone Township who is also a standardbred racehorse owner -- realizes that the coming three months will be the acid test for harness racing at 'The Big M.' In an article by News Transcript, Mayor Grbelja has essentially said that it is 'put up or shut up' time.

“All horsemen have got to get involved in the process and can no longer sit back and wait for someone else to do it for them,” Grbelja was quoted as saying. “They must support Mr. Gural and the SBOANJ, be vocal and participate wholeheartedly in the industry."

In calling her fellow industry members to the fore, Grbelja also wants everyone to take a look in the rear-view mirror and observe the mistakes of the past.

"As we move forward, however, we need to reflect back and determine how we got to this point so we don’t repeat the same mistakes. It is my hope that New Jersey, just as other states have done, finally put their horsemen first.”

The report also offers quotes from trainer Julie Miller and breeder Anthony Perretti.

To read the News Transcript article in its entirety, click here.

(With files from News Transcript)

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