TRENTON — The New Jersey Racing Commission is meeting for the first time since Gov. Chris Christie announced a deal that throws a lifeline to standardbred racing. The commission is scheduled to award racing dates for 2011 to the Meadowlands, Monmouth Park and Freehold racetracks today. But Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey president Tom Luchento says...
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Bruce Saunders of East Rutherford works a horse at the Meadowlands Racetrack. TRENTON — The New Jersey Racing Commission is meeting for the first time since Gov. Chris Christie announced a deal that throws a lifeline to standardbred racing.
The commission is scheduled to award racing dates for 2011 to the Meadowlands, Monmouth Park and Freehold racetracks today.
But Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey president Tom Luchento says whatever racing schedule is approved will likely be amended next month.
The standardbred horsemen are trying to put together a deal to lease the Meadowlands and survive on about 85 racing days, down from last year's 141 days.
The changes come after a commission appointed by Christie recommended that the state get out of the horse business, forcing the tracks to survive on their own or die.
Previous coverage:
• Gov. Chris Christie to address standardbred horse racing at Meadowlands
• N.J. lawmakers approve bill to help struggling casinos, but hold bill on shortening horse racing season
• Christie says he wants to save N.J. horse racing industry, but not with state subsidies
• Atlantic City casino firms use $30M formerly slated to horse racing fund for resort marketing
