Equally important for Oceanport is the repayment of a $23 million dollar loan made to the NJSEA that brought NJ Environmental Infrastructure Trust funds to protect Branchport Creek from further contamination, which is essential for the continued operation of the racetrack. Oceanport considers the financing an investment in our quality of life through the protection of the Shrewsbury River system that surrounds our borough.A-2926 authorizing “exchange wagering” and S-2229 to permit pooled wagers; we applaud the Governor’s signing of S-11 and await positive action to include the $15 million purse supplement in the live racing schedule with a suitable length of season. As of Feb. 25 no action had been taken on the status of Monmouth Park’s 2011 racing schedule. By law, the New Jersey Racing Commission must award 141 Thoroughbred dates. Last year Monmouth Park’s “Elite Summer Meet” raced 71 days. Purses almost tripled—about $20 million came from a now expired casino purse supplement—and total pari-mutuel handle increased $123 million for the year. This was a significant return on the investment made toward the purses.

Our own Oceanport Task Force on Monmouth Park has continued to maintain the position that VLT’s, slot machines, or an all-out gaming casino in the Meadowlands is the only way to protect horse racing in New Jersey. The surrounding states of New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland now all have some form of gaming at their race tracks. This uneven playing field enables our competitors to lure New Jersey horseman out of State with larger purses and better quality horse racing.  

In addition to the enactment of

Oceanport Task Force representatives have maintained an open dialogue with the Hanson Commission, the NJSEA, the Thoroughbred Horsemen and others that will likely play a key role in preserving horseracing at Monmouth Park.  Several interested operators have made introductions to the borough and will likely compete to operate the racetrack. 

The Oceanport Task Force on Monmouth Park

Chair   Michael J. Mahon, Mayor       Co.-Chair Gerald Briscione, Former Council Member

Sen. John O. Bennett

Sen. S. Thomas Gagliano

Hon. Caroline Casagrande, Assemblywoman

Hon. Lillian Burry, Freeholder

Hon. Clem Sommers, Former Mayor & Freeholder

Hon. Joseph Irace, Council Member

Mr. Peter Geronimo, IBEW 400 Business Manager

Mr. Alfred DeSantis, Public Member

Mr. David Gruskos, Owner and Member NJTHA

Mr. Bernard Dowd, Veterinarian and Member NJTHA

Mr. Bert Lynch, Public Member

Mr. Joseph Marinaro, Public Member

Mr. James Ryerson, Trainer and Member NJTHA

Mr. Robert Kelly, Public Member

Mr. William Finley, Turf Writer

Mr. Thomas Galligan, Public Member