Reports from New Jersey indicate a dramatic revamping of the racing schedule for Monmouth Park, which could in turn lead to a better selection of harness racing dates for
the Meadowlands.
In Thursday's Star-Ledger, the new plan to revamp racing in New Jersey calls for dates at Monmouth Park to be cut nearly in half, but in doing so the purses offered on a card would be nearly tripled to an industry-leading $1 million per day "according to two people directly involved in the discussions."
The goal of this plan is to attract better horses for those 50 summer dates from the end of May through the start of September, with hopes those better horses would prompt in increase in handle. The plan is modeled after similar systems in Japan and Australia, with racing limited to weekends and large purses offered.
By focusing on Monmouth Park under this plan, The Meadowlands would concentrate on their harness product and drop thoroughbred racing, thus providing a greater range of dates.
Representatives from Gov. Chris Christie's office declined to comment, as did NJSEA President and CEO Dennis Robinson.
It will be curious to see if
It will be curious to see if the standardbred horsemen in NJ try to emulate this. A three day Grand Circuit type meet from Memorial Day thru Labor Day and a four day meet from Thanksgiving thru March.