Just days removed from the announcement from top New Jersey breeder Perretti Farms that it will be dispersing its entire operation, State Senator Raymond Lesniak has cited the instance in his most recent push to get his intrastate online gaming legislation back into

the fold.

“We have to give [the horse racing industry] the tools and support to be relevant in the 21st century, and by authorizing intrastate online betting, we can provide access to a gaming product which other states have yet to capitalize on," Lesniak was quoted as saying in an article on cardplayer.com. "We need to act now, before more of our state’s horse farms or casinos close their doors forever. [Online gaming] can be a temporary savior until we get sports betting at our casinos and racetracks.”

Although Senator Lesniak stated that action had to be taken now to ensure more New Jersey horse farms don't close their doors, the statement appears to somewhat contradict what he said last month in regard to tweaks to the bill.

Perretti sadly announced on Tuesday, August 16 that it will commence a complete, two-year dispersal of its equine inventory later this fall.

Perretti Farms Spokesman Bob Marks told Trot Insider that the dispersal "is strictly in reaction to the governor’s steadfast decision not to allow the state of New Jersey to be competitive with the surrounding states."

“All the breeders in New Jersey are probably losing money, and since New York, Pennsylvania and Delaware subsidize our industry and New Jersey doesn’t, it is almost impossible to survive as a breeder in New Jersey,” Jordan quoted racetrack owner/operator Jeff Gural as saying. “With Bill closing down, it may actually mean the end of breeding standardbreds in New Jersey.”

The Record also ran a piece on the farm's announcement, and spoke with general manager Anthony Perretti in regard to the sad announcement. "We're unable to compete even with the Meadowlands [track] staying open," he said.

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