According to a report, negotiations are underway between the state of New Jersey and developer Morris Bailey in regard to a lease of New Jersey thoroughbred track Monmouth Park, although the topic of race dates will probably be an issue down the line

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An article by The Star-Ledger explains that Bailey is currently negotiating with the state for the right to operate the track, but that he may hit a roadblock when it comes to agreeing with the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association on the number race dates per year.

The report states that the horsemen's association endorsed Bailey to take over operating control of the track, but it also explains that Bailey has proposed hosting 71 live race dates per year while the association is looking for 141.

“We believe Morris Bailey is the right guy to operate Monmouth Park and we support the state’s decision, but it doesn’t mean that we won’t maintain the position that we’ve had all along — and that’s a 141-day scenario,” New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association President John Forbes was quoted as saying. “We would be willing to repeat what we did last year with reduced days (Monmouth's 'Super Meet') if the purse structure is the same or at least close to the same. But it doesn’t sound as if it will be.”

(With files from The Star-Ledger)

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