New Jersey Senator Paul Sarlo visited Fair Winds Farm on Wednesday, Oct. 23 where he was given a tour of the facility, watched the yearlings' daily routine at the farm and received more insight about the Standardbred breeding industry.

The event for Senator Sarlo was hosted by the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey and TrotPAC, the state's Standardbred industry's political action committee. The event included a reception and fundraiser.

​New Jersey Senator Paul Sarlo addresses the crowd announcing his understanding of the importance of the racing industry to the state.

Senator Sarlo's support has been vital as a co-sponsor of the initial five-year $100 million USD appropriation for the state's horse racing industry, and especially for the recent renewal of the appropriations that the governor signed this year.

Among those joining Senator Sarlo for Wednesday's event were SBOANJ President Mark Ford as well as fellow officers Anthony Perretti, Mike Klau, Julie Miller and Al Ochsner. The group also included SBOANJ directors Bob Boni, Mike Gulotta, Mark Mullen, Chris Ryder, Linda Toscano, plus drivers Dexter Dunn, Andrew McCarthy, Todd McCarthy, John Calabrese and Patrick Ryder, and trainers Nancy Takter, Jimmy Takter, Trond Smedshammer, Tom Fanning, Ron Coyne and Nifty Norman. Others from the industry in attendance included John Campbell and Moira Fanning from the Hambletonian Society and Jason Settlemoir from The Meadowlands.

Deputy Majority Leader representing District 36, Senator Sarlo has served in State Senate since 2003, and is also the Chairman of the Appropriations and Budget Committee. He has been a huge advocate and ally of the horse racing industry.

(SBOANJ; Top photo of New Jersey Senator Paul Sarlo with Fair Winds Farm staff)