On Thursday, December 8, the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey issued a trio of releases in regard to the changing status of notable stakes races, the continuation of the state breeding rebate program, and a reminder about stallion registration in the state. Most notably, it was announced that the New Jersey Classic and Miss New Jersey have been suspended until further notice.

2017 SBOANJ STAKES RACES

The SBOA of New Jersey is pleased to announce that the Dancer and Smith trotting races as well as the New Jersey futurities will continue to be raced in the future. In spite of a limited number of nominations, we believe we have an obligation to owners, breeders and trainers to provide them with an opportunity to race in New Jersey, both now and in the future.

Unfortunately, the New Jersey Classic and Miss New Jersey are being suspended until further notice. Careful consideration was given to this decision by both the Meadowlands and the SBOA. Hopefully, these races will be restored in the future.

2017 SBOANJ REBATE PROGRAM

In an effort to incentivize breeding and boarding in New Jersey, the SBOANJ announces the continuation in 2017 of the New Jersey stallion breeding rebate program and the rebate program for resident mares.

The stallion rebate program, for New Jersey pacing stallions only, will issue a 50 per cent rebate of the paid stud fee (up to $3,000) to the owner of a mare who resides in New Jersey for 150 days. A 25 per cent rebate of the paid stud fee (up to $1,500) will be paid to a non-resident mare.

Stallions must be enrolled in the USTA’s STARS program.

The resident mares program will rebate the owner up to $500 for a mare who has been bred and resides in the state for 150 days. The stallion does not have to stand in New Jersey.

2017 SBOANJ STALLION REGISTRATION

The deadline for anyone wanting to stand a stallion in New Jersey is January 1. Registration forms are available on the SBOANJ’s website.

As a reminder, the SBOA is offering a rebate of 50 per cent of the paid stud fee (up to $3,000) for resident mares and 25 per cent (up to $1,500) for non-resident mares. The rebate program is for pacing stallions only. The stallion must be enrolled in the USTA STAR program.

(SBOANJ)