On Wednesday, May 15 the SBOANJ and TrotPAC sponsored a successful fundraiser for New Jersey Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin. The event was held at Fair Winds Farm and Hogan Equine Clinic to support his 2019 campaign.
Assembly Speaker Coughlin was greeted by directors from the SBOANJ, TrotPAC trustees, and many horsemen. Mark Mullen led a tour of his Fair Winds Farm breeding facility, while Patricia M. Hogan, VMD gave him a behind the scenes look at Hogan Equine Clinic.
The Meadowlands General Manager Jason Settlemoir and Freehold Raceway’s General Manager Howard Burno and Director of Racing Karen Fagliarone were on hand to answer the Speaker’s questions about the New Jersey tracks improvements since the appropriations were awarded.
Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin takes time to take a photo with driver Andy Miller his wife trainer Julie Miller, driver Joe Bongiorno his fiancé horsewoman Melissa Arbia, and trainer Jen Bongiorno.
Drivers Yannick Gingras, Andy Miller, and Hall of Famers David Miller and John Campbell, among others, also took time to discuss the Standardbred industry with him. This was his first visit to any New Jersey equine facility, and Speaker Coughlin was able to mingle with the many horsemen and equine industry supporters in attendance before leaving the function.
Craig Coughlin speaking to Trainer Nancy Johansson
New Jersey horseman’s lobbyist AJ Sabath answered questions and explained how the appropriations would be awarded in the future. He also expressed the importance of our industry providing proof that the funding received has indeed bolstered New Jersey racing.
"TrotPAC would like to thank everyone for their contributions and all of those who were able to attend. It is extremely important that we, as an industry, continue to support the various legislators that will be involved with the annual renewal of our appropriation," the association said in a release.
(SBOANJ)