In a media release issued on Thursday, February 2, the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey stated that every effort is being made to race the Anthony Abbatiello Classic and the Thomas D’Altrui Miss New Jersey Filly Division events in 2017.

The comments from the SBOANJ – which appear below in their entirety – come on the heels of a release earlier in the from the Meadowlands Racetrack in regard to the lawsuit the track is now facing over the cancellation of the Anthony Abbatiello New Jersey Classic and Thomas D'Altrui Miss New Jersey for three-year-old pacers.

INFORMATION CONCERNING THE ANTHONY ABBATIELLO CLASSIC AND THE THOMAS D’ALTRUI MISS NEW JERSEY

Every effort is being made by the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey to race the Anthony Abbatiello Classic and the Thomas D’Altrui Miss New Jersey Filly Division events for 2017. However, due to circumstances beyond the control of the SBOANJ, changes to the Sustaining Payments, Starting Fees, and Purses may have to be made and are pending at this time. If it becomes necessary to cancel these events, all payments will be prorated and disbursed to the owners of all eligible horses at the time of cancellation.

Keep an eye out for upcoming announcements that will affect the status of these races. If you have any questions feel free to call the SBOANJ office at 732-462-2357.

The Anthony Abbatiello Classic and the Thomas D’Altrui Miss New Jersey Filly Division have both been CANCELLED for 2018. The reason for cancellation is due to lack of nominations and circumstances beyond control of the SBOANJ. All nominations and sustaining payments will be refunded to the owner of the eligible horse(s).