STATEWIDE – A six-member advisory commission put together earlier this year by Gov. Christopher Christie has submitted a list of recommendations to revive New Jersey’s money-losing horseracing industry without state subsidies.
On-track horseracing at Monmouth Park is projected to lose $6.6 million this year, according to the commission, while Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford is expected to lose an estimated $11 million.
In a supplemental report submitted to Gov. Christie on Nov. 15, the commission stated: “We see our mission as twofold. First, to propose an economically sustainable model for the horseracing industry, without state subsidies. Second, to propose a plan that preserves the possibility of live standard bred and thoroughbred racing in the state. Neither the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, nor the taxpayers of New Jersey, have the wherewithal to support two money losing racetrack operations. Accordingly, we recommend that regulatory and legislative initiatives be implemented to consolidate all live racing at one venue and to sell the state’s racetrack’s and/or racetrack property for operation by the private sector.”
Specifically, the commission recommends moving all live NJSEA racing operations to Monmouth Park beginning next year, although a live, six-day standardbred meet could still be held each summer at Meadowlands Racetrack “to preserve the heritage of the Hambletonian.”
The commission’s report also supports the passage of legislation that eases current zoning restrictions on the off-track betting facilities. Once such zoning restrictions were modified, the commission notes that a “full-scale” Off-Track Wagering facility could operate in the Meadowlands, possibly even at Xanadu, the still uncompleted sports/retail/entertainment venue adjacent to Meadowlands Racetrack.
The six members of the commission are Jon F. Hanson, Debra DiLorenzo, Robert Holmes, Wes Lang, Al Leiter, and Robert E. Mulcahy III. – E. Assata Wright
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