The Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey (SBOANJ) issued a press release on Friday, Feb. 2 stating it remains committed to working with the State Legislature and Gov. Phil Murphy to secure an extension of the state’s annual appropriation for racing from 2025 through fiscal year 2029.

In January, the governor declined to act on a bill that would have extended the appropriation for five years, resulting in a pocket veto. The legislation was one of 12 bills that were not signed into law by the governor on Jan. 16, the final day for bills sent to the governor in the last 10 days of the previous legislative session to be approved.

Legislators can reintroduce the bills in the current session.

The racing appropriation legislation was passed by the Assembly, 73-0, and by the Senate, 35-1, during the State Legislature’s lame-duck session that ended in early January.

"Although the governor has not released a public statement regarding the situation, based upon our conversations with the Governor and his senior staff, he preferred the legislation be a part of the upcoming budget process in June instead of an off-line appropriation outside the FY25 budget," the SBOANJ stated in its release. "We take the Governor at his word and will continue to work with his Administration and Legislative Leadership to extend our appropriation another five years.

"There can be no doubt the past appropriations strengthened the industry at a grassroots level while fostering growth and promoting breeding and racing in New Jersey. Harness racing in New Jersey enjoyed success on multiple levels, whether looking at stallions standing in the state, yearlings sold at auction, participation in the Sire Stakes program, or money generated from wagering. Many of the sport’s brightest stars, human and equine, call New Jersey home.

"Gov. Murphy and the members of the State Legislature have been strong supporters of the racing industry, and the SBOANJ remains dedicated to seeing the appropriation approved during the new legislative session now under way. The SBOANJ board, TrotPAC and our lobbying group will continue to work diligently toward that goal."

(With files from SBOANJ)