The
New Jersey Racing Commission Dec. 22 awarded full racing dates for 2011
and also licensed four off-track wagering facilities for the coming
year.
Dates awarded to the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority for
Monmouth Park and Meadowlands are expected to change pending action on
racing-related legislation by the state General Assembly. The racing
commission awarded dates according to state law that mandates minimum
numbers.
The NJSEA was granted 141 days of Thoroughbred racing, but Monmouth
officials and horsemen would prefer a schedule similar to that of 2010,
when 71 days were offered, including a high-profile 50-day meet in late
spring and summer that produced triple-digit percentage gains in
pari-mutuel handle.
Meadowlands was granted about 140 days for harness racing, but that,
too, is expected to change. A private investor has worked out a deal
with Republican Gov. Chris Christie to privatize racing at Meadowlands;
he has the first three months of 2011 to put a plan together or live
racing will cease, according to the deal.