A bill being introduced in committee on Thursday, January 20 would legislate that the horsemen of New Jersey dictate the number of racing dates each year at Freehold
Raceway.
“That bill [A 3511] will set a base number of 75 days, but horsemen should understand that this is only for the purposes of setting a minimum so that we do not have to repeatedly go back to Trenton each time we wish to adjust the number of dates,” said Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey President Tom Luchento. “We could have picked any number but this sets a baseline. We certainly expect Freehold to race 100 days or more a year.
“The legislation is written to put the control over dates in the hands of the SBOANJ,” he added. “Neither the track nor the New Jersey Racing Commission will make that call. We will.
“I want to thank Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande, who represents many of us in Monmouth County, who came to me with her concerns,” Luchento said. “I was able to allay her fears. This is something that we want so that horsemen can control their own destiny at Freehold Raceway.”
(SBOANJ)