New Jersey State Assemblyman Ronald S. Dancer (R-District 30) will recognize Tom Luchento, president of the Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey, for his vigorous efforts to the help people in the harness racing industry.

Dancer will honour Luchento at his legislative campaign reception scheduled from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on October 22 in the Renaissance Room at Freehold Raceway.

Assemblyman Dancer, who has been a state assemblyman since November 2002, is the son of the late Stanley Dancer, a member of the Harness Racing Hall of Fame and one of the most famous people in the industry.

On July 11, 2008, Luchento accepted the 2008 Stanley Dancer Media Award, presented by the New Jersey Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association, which acknowledges an individual whose efforts on behalf of racing and cooperation with the media are in keeping with the example set by the late Hall of Fame driver and trainer Stanley Dancer of New Egypt, New Jersey.

Luchento was recognized for his positive representation of the standardbred industry before state lawmakers and with journalists for whom he was a cooperative and quotable source.

Luchento began his involvement in harness racing in 1959 while he was attending Madison Township (now Old Bridge) High School. He opened his own stable when he was 20 and both drove and trained horses that raced at the Meadowlands Racetrack and Freehold Raceway.

In 1989, Luchento stopped driving and concentrated on training horses and opened Luchento's Country Italian Restaurant on Route 33 in Millstone, New Jersey, walking distance to the training centers at Gaitway and Showplace Farms.

Luchento's Restaurant thrived under the management of the Luchentos for 17 years and was sold in September of 2008.

Luchento has been the SBOANJ president the last three years and is also vice president of Harness Horsemen's International.

Now that he has sold the restaurant and has more time to devote to the issues of concern to horsemen, he also is running for a USTA District 12 directorship.

Tickets for the buffet dinner and presentation ceremonies on October 22 may be purchased through Jamie Montgomery at 856-810-7390 or [email protected]. The contribution is $250 per person.

(New Jersey SBOA)