A dramatic shift in New Jersey racing will emerge in 2010 when Monmouth Park
offers $1 million in average daily purses, by far the highest in North America.
Monmouth’s million dollar meet, which gets underway on May 22, will showcase 50
live racing dates running through September 6.
In total, New Jersey Thoroughbred racing will see 71 live dates, down from
the 141 that have been contested the past several years. After the million
dollar meet, Monmouth Park will host a fall racing meet on Saturdays and Sundays
through November 21.
“These exciting changes would not have been possible without the
collaborative effort of all stakeholders in New Jersey racing; specifically the
Governor’s Gaming, Sports and Entertainment Advisory Commission and the work of
Bob Mulcahy,” said Dennis R. Robinson, president and CEO of the New Jersey
Sports & Exposition Authority, which owns and operates Monmouth Park. “We’re
confident that this new racing schedule, coupled with the nation’s highest
purses, will breathe new life into this industry and become a new foundation for
racing, breeding and tourism in the Garden State.”
Following opening weekend of May 22-23, live racing returns on May 29, 30 and
31 (Memorial Day). After the Memorial Day card, Monmouth will race on Fridays,
Saturdays and Sundays as well as two holiday Mondays, July 5 (Independence Day
observed) and September 6 (Labor Day). The $1 million per day in purses more
than triples the $331,000 in average daily purses offered at Monmouth in 2009.
After the Labor Day card, Monmouth Park will host live racing on Saturdays
and Sundays through November 21. Purses for those cards will range from $250,000
to $300,000 per day, with the exception of September 18, when New Jersey-breds
take center stage. Purses that day will be approximately $1 million.
“Once again, Monmouth is on the cutting edge of the industry,” Robinson said.
“This is a game changer, not just for racing in New Jersey, but for the entire
region. The longevity of the racing season is nearly identical to what it’s been
the past several years; but with fewer dates and the highest purses in the
country, we’re more than a little optimistic that significant gains in
attendance, handle and field size are quickly on the horizon.”
Major changes to the purse structure include maiden special weight events,
which will go for $75,000, and an entry-level allowance test, which will be set
at $80,000. By comparison, purses for those races in 2009 were $38,000 and
$41,000, respectively.
Overnight stakes, which were contested for $60,000 to $70,000 in 2009, will
start at $100,000 during the million dollar meeting.
“There’s no question that this purse structure will generate interest from
horsemen throughout the country,” said Robert Kulina, vice president and general
manager of Monmouth Park. “Bringing this concept to fruition would not have been
possible without the tireless efforts of the past and current presidents of the
New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, Dennis Drazin and John Forbes.
Also, the work of Tom Luchento of the Standardbred association and Tommy Swales
of the New Jersey breeders group must be recognized as key components to getting
this agreement finalized.
“The reality is fans have been asking for quality, competitive racing with
larger field sizes. What we’re offering in 2010 should more than satiate that
appetite and produce results favorable to fans, horsemen, the Sports Authority
and the State of New Jersey.”
The racetrack expects to average 12 live races per day, with holiday cards
likely to see 12 to 13 live events.
In a major shift in New Jersey racing, Thoroughbreds will not compete at the
Meadowlands in East Rutherford for the first time since 1977.
“The savings associated with running Thoroughbreds strictly at Monmouth and
Standardbreds at the Meadowlands will help close the 2010 budget gap at the
NJSEA,” Robinson added. “As time goes on, we’re optimistic that the changes
we’re implementing this year will not only shrink our annual deficit, but
hopefully return the Monmouth Park meet back to profitability.”