Live Standardbred horse racing, also known as harness racing, must continue at racetracks in New Jersey under a new law sponsored by Assemblyman Ron Dancer.
On Monday (Jan. 10), the governor signed the bill (A2265/S3771) requiring Standardbred racetracks that have sports wagering licenses to hold a minimum of 151 race dates, with limited exceptions.
“The horse racing industry relies on thousands of jobs, from veterinarians to trainers and many others, and generates millions of dollars in tax revenue while also supporting open space,” said Dancer. “My bill will protect this vital industry while making sure fans can continue to experience the excitement and thunder of harness racing in New Jersey.”
Standardbred horses can reach speeds of more than 30 mph as they race a track while pulling a driver in a two-wheeled cart, called a sulky.
The legislation affects the two Standardbred racetracks in the state, the Meadowlands and Freehold Raceway.
(N.J. Assembly Republicans)
I think this bill will cause…
I think this bill will cause purses on overnight races at The Meadowlands to be cut substantially. With a few exceptions, racing at the track is held on 2 nights per week. If racing is expanded to 3 nights per week because of this bill, where is the additional cash needed to fund purses in the extra night of racing each week supposed to be coming from?