Wisniewski Congratulates Monmouth Park on 50^th Haskell Invitational

Calls for Renewed Support for New Jersey’s Horse Racing Industry

SAYREVILLE, NJ — As horse racing enthusiasts world-wide await Sunday’s 50^th anniversary run of the Haskell Invitational, Assemblyman John Wisniewski (D-19) called upon the governor and state legislators to renew support for the state’s horse racing industry.

“New Jersey has a long history with horse racing and horses,” said Wisniewski. “The Haskell Invitational Trophy, which will be presented this Sunday at Monmouth Park Racetrack, is one of horse racing’s most prestigious awards. New Jersey is also home to over 42,500 horses as well as numerous horse farms, the Rutgers Equine Science Center and the U.S. Equestrian Team. According to the Governor’s office, equine-related industries add more than $3 billion to the state’s economy.”

“As impressive as that sounds,” Wisniewski added, “the horse racing industry in New Jersey is in a significant decline in recent years due to competition from neighboring states and the elimination of state support for the industry under the Christie administration.”

The elimination of state support for horse racing early in the Christie administration has led to a downward spiral in the industry. Fewer races and declining purses have led to less interest from owners of top-rated thoroughbreds followed by a declining interest in, and wagers on, New Jersey-based horse races. Combined with increased support for the industry in neighboring states, our state’s horse racing industry has suffered a significant decline.

Wisniewski concluded his comments with a warning. “Forty years ago, the horse was designated as New Jersey’s state animal because of its influence on our state’s economy. Unless the state steps in, it may soon become an archaic reminder of the state’s history instead of a symbol of our industry, and the state will be worse off for the loss.”