For Immediate Release:
August 13, 2010
Freeholders adopt resolution
supporting horse industry
Governor urged to recognize industry’s importance to Monmouth County
FREEHOLD, NJ – The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders has adopted a resolution urging Gov. Chris Christie to find a way to protect New Jersey’s horse racing industry.
The resolution, adopted on Aug. 12, asks Christie to consider the benefits of horse racing – both thoroughbreds and standardbreds – on New Jersey’s economy and quality of life, particularly here in Monmouth County. A state report recommended ending purse subsidies to the racetracks.
“Most of our farms are horse farms,” Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry said. “If horse racing were to end in New Jersey and all of these horse breeders moved out, what do you think would happen to their farms? Builders will come in and put up housing developments.”
Freeholder John D’Amico, who lives in Oceanport where Monmouth Park Racetrack is located, said that rather than ending the state subsidies for racetracks, the state should provide a bridge that will get them to a point where they can be self-sustaining. According to a 2007 study by the Rutgers Equine Science Center, the horse industry generates more than $1.1 billion annually to New Jersey’s economy.
“The shorter schedule this year really turned things around and has shown that with larger purses the horse racing industry can attract bettors to the track,” D’Amico said. “Losing horse racing would negatively impact our farming community and quality of life.”
The resolution comes on the heels of a report released in July that recommended ending the purse subsidies for the state’s racetracks and instead focusing on greater state investment in Atlantic City’s casinos and completing the Xanadu shopping mall in Bergen County. The report was prepared by the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Gaming, Sports and Entertainment.
“Horse racing supports other farmers who provide feed, veterinarians and farriers, tack shop owners, manufacturers of horse trailers, and keep 13,000 New Jersey residents employed,” Freeholder Deputy Director Robert D. Clifton said. “It must be protected.”
“Horse farms are what make Monmouth County what it is,” Freeholder Amy A. Mallet said. “Monmouth County has great diversity with urban centers, suburban and rural areas. Horse racing is the engine that keeps these horse farms here and we cannot lose that.”
“Monmouth County has done a terrific job over the years protecting and preserving its farmlands and open spaces,” Freeholder John P. Curley said. “Most of our farms are horse farms. If we preserve horse racing we also preserve Monmouth County’s quality of life.”
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