Beck, O’Scanlon, Casagrande Praise Governor’s Action on Wagering Bills

Trenton— Senator Jennifer Beck and Assemblymen Declan O’Scanlon and Caroline Casagrande (all R- Monmouth/Middlesex) today said that Governor Christie’s actions on off-track, exchange wagering, and pari-mutuel betting legislation will strengthen New Jersey’s horse racing industry. Governor Christie signed A-2926 and A-3200, which establishes a system of exchange wagering for in-state and out of state races and single pool betting, respectively. The Governor offered a conditional veto recommending minor changes to A-1705, which expands off-track and account wagering.

Senator Jennifer Beck

“Horse racing is vital part of our regional economy and helps preserve significant amounts of open space in our state. Exchange wagering and pari-mutuel betting will help the industry adapt to a changing market and consumer preferences and lend a much needed boost to the racing industry’s revenues. The Governor has also offered sensible revisions in his conditional veto of the off track wagering bill that I believe can and should be swiftly adopted by the Legislature.”

Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon

“I have always believed that revitalizing Atlantic City and saving the horse racing industry do not have to be mutually exclusive endeavors. I am very pleased that the Governor has signed two bills that will help horse racing survive through innovative and creative betting instruments. I also want to thank him for working with and listening to racing advocates such as myself as he plots an improved course for the gaming industry as a whole in New Jersey.”

Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande

“The most effective type of aid horse racing can receive is that which helps the industry stand on its own two feet. Exchange and single pool pari-mutuel betting are a step in the direction of doing just that. Off track betting is also a critical component of the equation for a stronger horse racing industry, and I call on my colleagues to swiftly take up the changes recommended in the Governor’s conditional veto which are neither unreasonable nor a threat to the overall objective of the bill.”

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Oceanport Task Force Contiunes Fight For Horse Racing

VLT’s, slot machines, or an all out gaming casino in the Meadowlands is the only way to protect horse racing in New Jersey

Oceanport Councilman Joe Irace delivered the following report regarding the borough’s Monmouth Park Task Force at this evenings council meeting:

On Monday January 10th our Monmouth Park Task Force met to discuss the future of Monmouth Park as it pertains to the recent Hanson Report Part 2.  Our Task Force meeting was attended by a varied cross section of members including two former New Jersey State Senators, a horse veterinarian, thoroughbred owners, and concerned Oceanport residents.  The meeting was very specific and our participants quite vocal and knowledgeable.  Our Task Force once again maintained 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.  All the surrounding states of New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland now 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.

Knowing the current legislative posture in New Jersey and knowing that gaming is not coming to the Meadowlands this year, our Task Force was once again proactive in seeking solutions to get us through 2011 and beyond.  Among the suggestions were: working with Monmouth Park to seek alternative revenue streams such as a boardwalk type facility in the picnic area, upscale restaurants, concerts, retail boutiques and perhaps even a hotel.  Anything to make Monmouth Park more desirable as an asset to the State, not just for horse racing, but as a destination place in the heart of the Jersey Shore.

The Task Force continues to ask for the actual financials of Monmouth Park, not of the full New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority, of which Monmouth Park belongs.  Are the numbers the State uses correct when they say the facility loses $6 million?  We do not think so and would like to see the empirical evidence.

We continue to be concerned with the possible veto of a bipartisan bill approved in the New Jersey Senate and Assembly that would enable horse racing to not only survive, but to thrive.  It is important to remember that horse racing contributes 7,000 jobs, $110 million in federal, state and local taxes, and 57,000 acres of working agricultural landscape and open space to New Jersey.

Our Governing Body and our Task Force will continue to lobby our elected officials on behalf of Monmouth Park.  It is important not only to Oceanport and Monmouth County, but to the state of New Jersey as well.

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Irace promises viligance at Fort Monmouth, Calls for slots at the Meadowlands

The following are Oceanport Councilman Joe Irace’s remarks from today’s Reorganization Meeting:

Good Afternoon and Happy New Year!

This afternoon, I’m fortunate to have my family and friends with me as I begin my second term on Oceanport Borough Council.  I would like to thank the residents of Oceanport for giving me this chance to, again, serve as your councilman.  It is both an honor and a privilege.

I would like to thank my wife Eileen who, God knows puts up with a lot, and our two daughters Kristi and Samantha.  Samantha often serves as my official photographer and Campaign Manager.   The support and understanding of my family is an amazing gift that is truly appreciated. I would also like to thank my parents, Joseph and Jennie.  Mom & Dad, you are true inspirations to me and great role models, too.  Thanks to my Brother Rick and his family who are also with us today.  To all the residents of Oceanport, your overwhelming support is the reason I sit here today.   I pledge to continue my best work in my next three year term. 

Congratulations to all the fire and first aid officers sworn in today.  Special thanks to Tom Crochet, outgoing Chief, for his dedication to our borough.  I’d also like to thank outgoing Councilman Jay Briscione for his many years of service.  Jay’s contributions regarding our two biggest issues, Fort Monmouth and Monmouth Park, have been invaluable to all of us as a Governing Body.  I’m glad Jay has volunteered, to remain active in both of these important projects.  Welcome back Ted Ibex.  As a former Councilman, Ted has played an important part in what our team has accomplished.  I know he will be able to hit the ground running as he begins his current term.

The borough of Oceanport continues to deal with the direct and immediate impact of the closure of Fort Monmouth and the inane decisions involving Monmouth Park Racetrack.   We as a Governing Body and community have to be increasingly vigilant and proactive knowing we don’t have ultimate control over either issue.

The actions being taken today regarding Fort Monmouth affect the future of Oceanport.  Regardless of the political ramifications, we as a Governing Body, worked hard on the Fort Monmouth Redevelopment Bill.  We participated in conversations and debates that consumed many hours and were not always cordial but were necessary to protect Oceanport and our future as a community.  As a Governing Body we were able to extract an unprecedented 40 amendments to the original Fort Monmouth Bill which gave us some say in what happens in the 419 acres that will be located in our boundaries. Ultimately, this bill seems to reflect a lot of compromise as set forth in the amendments; HOWEVER, the one place that there was no compromise is in the underlying premise of the bill: State control.  In my opinion, everything after State control is secondary.   Therefore our vigilance going forward is vital to making sure Oceanport is protected as redevelopment progresses.

The recent Hanson Commission Report seems to suggest that Atlantic City casinos are more important to our State then horse racing.  As host town to Monmouth Park, Oceanport couldn’t disagree more.  The Commission seems to totally disregard the benefits that horse racing brings to New Jersey; such as 7,000 jobs, $110 million in federal, state and local taxes, and 57,000 acres of working agricultural landscape and open space.  

A study done by Christiansen Capital Advisors, commissioned by the New Jersey Department of Treasury at a cost of $100,000, recommended the installation of slot machines at the Meadowlands. The reports stated that 5,000 machines at the Meadowlands would produce $750 million annually and that 10,000 machines would produce $1.5 billion annually. The same study suggested that 2,100 slots at the Meadowlands would reduce Atlantic City gross gaming revenue by a mere .01 percent and perhaps save live racing at Monmouth Park.  Why were this study, and its results ignored?  

Clearly, we need to remain involved and active in both matters as we head though 2011.  I know that with Mayor Mahon’s leadership and the active role our Council has taken on both matters, Oceanport is in good hands!

In closing, I would like everyone to remember our troops who are serving overseas.  We are able to enjoy our many freedoms because of their willingness to serve.

Thank you and Happy New Year!

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Governor Chris Christie Announces Solution to Keep Standardbred Racing at the Medowlands

Trenton, NJ – Governor Chris Christie today announced a break-through agreement to keep live Standardbred racing at the Meadowlands beginning in January via a secured short-term financing plan to bridge the gap to a potential long-term solution that will make the Meadowlands racetrack a privately run, self-sustaining venture without taxpayer subsidies.

The agreement meets the Governor’s foremost requirement that operating and purse subsidies for Standardbred racing come to an end.   To ensure that racing at the Meadowlands can continue uninterrupted on its January schedule, the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA) will extend operations, secured by simulcast racing revenues, through only March 31, with no costs being absorbed by state taxpayers.

In the meantime, the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association (SBOA) or its designee will be guaranteed exclusive rights to negotiate a $1 per-year lease for the Meadowlands racetrack for up to five years, with a renewal option.  If, at the end of March a lease agreement and self-sustaining operating plan is not in place, all parties agree that the NJSEA will suspend standardbred racing at the Meadowlands Racetrack, with the possible exception of the Hambletonian Meet in August 2011.

“It has been my goal all along to keep horse racing alive in New Jersey and at the Meadowlands with a renewed, financially-sound business model that meets the fiscal realities faced today by both the horse racing industry and the state,” Governor Christie said.  “Given the economic realities, my first interest and priority lies with taxpayers of New Jersey and ensuring the future of the sport is no longer reliant on millions of dollars in subsidies year after year.  Today, we have reached a mutually beneficial agreement for the near term, and a framework for a long-term solution to move the industry forward on an independent and self-sustaining financial foundation.”

“I am excited to find a way to operate the Meadowlands and several off-track wagering facilities in the private sector,” said Jeff Gural, a New York racetrack owner-operator and real estate developer.  “I think the structure that is being proposed will be well received by our customers, as we intend to produce the highest quality horse racing product in the standardbred industry.  I’ve been successful in Upstate New York at Tioga Downs, where we have been able to attract new and younger customers. We will use the same marketing strategies for the Meadowlands and hope for the same results.”

“We are thankful real estate entrepreneur and harness racing enthusiast Jeff Gural came to our aid during the final stretch of discussions with the Christie Administration,” Tom Luchento, president of the SBOA, said.  “The deal with the Governor to save Standardbred racing at Meadowlands will provide our industry a lifeline and give us time to implement innovative changes that will foster self-suffiency.  The time is now for the State of New Jersey and Meadowlands Racetrack to regain their status as the world’s premiere standardbred racing venue.”

All parties involved have agreed that the state will no longer subsidize harness racing at the Meadowlands.  If a long-term lease agreement and operating plan for self-sufficiency is not reached by March 31, 2011, all parties agree that a good faith effort will have been made by the standardbred industry and the Christie Administration to reach an agreement and avoid closure of the Meadowlands Racetrack.

The state’s short-term funding for the first quarter of 2011 operations will be guaranteed by the SBOA’s pledge of its right to simulcasting revenue at the Meadowlands from April 1, 2011, until the state recoups its costs.

Among the lease parameters agreed to today:

• The NJSEA will assign up to four off-track-wagering (OTW) locations, including Bayonne (but not Woodbridge), all of which would operate contingent on private operation of the Meadowlands Racetrack.

• The OTW locations would pay the NJSEA 10 percent of net OTW earnings.

• There will be no ongoing subsidies for purses or racing operations.

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Christie To Make Announcement Regarding Standardbred racing at the Meadowlands

By Art Gallagher

Governor Christie’s office has called a press conference for 3PM to announce a “significant development concerning Standardbred racing at the Meadowlands”

Bob Jordan at Capital Quickies is reporting that a deal has been made with Jeffrey Gural, the owner of two New York horse tracks, to lease the Meadowlands Racetrack.

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Governor Chris Christie Vetoes Establishment of Full Racing Schedule for Monmouth Park and the Meadowlands

Governor’s Action Necessary Pending Legislative Resolution on Horse Racing Recommendations

Trenton, NJ – Governor Chris Christie today vetoed the New Jersey Racing Commission’s establishment of a full standardbred and thoroughbred racing schedule for Monmouth Park and the Meadowlands, as the Administration continues its review of recommendations to end annual taxpayer subsidies for the horse racing industry and make it self-sustaining.

The Racing Commission’s action at its November 10 meeting establishing a full race schedule for 2011 conflicts with the primary recommendation contained in a supplemental report under review by the Administration to substantially reduce the number of live racing days at Monmouth Park and the Meadowlands Racetrack for next year. At the November 10 meeting, the Racing Commission approved a request from the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority to establish the full race meeting schedule for next year.

Governor Christie’s veto is not critical of the Commission or the NJSEA for doing what is currently statutorily required, as the Administration is considering scaled-down race meets among possible solutions for making the horse racing industry self-sustaining. The Governor’s veto was necessary pending a legislative resolution on horse racing recommendations and solutions.

“While the recommendation is being reviewed, it would be inappropriate to approve the NJSEA’s request to race 141 Thoroughbred races dates at Monmouth Park and 141 Standardbred races dates at the Meadowlands Racetrack particularly in light of the taxpayer subsidies required to sustain such a lengthy race calendar,” Governor Christie said in his veto letter, dated today.

“An appropriate solution for the state-owned racetracks, which does not unduly burden the taxpayers of this State, must be reached before a schedule for the 2011 racing season can be approved,” the Governor wrote.

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Hanson Report: No Benefit for Monmouth Park, Horse Owners, Race Fans

By Joe Irace

The latest version of The Hanson Commission’s Report on gaming does nothing for the long term benefit of Oceanport and/or Monmouth Park and puts the Standardbred and Thoroughbred owners and trainers at odds with each other.  The report calls for bringing Harness Racing to Monmouth Park to run at night in the winter months.  The estimated costs to the State of New Jersey for the winterization of part of the grandstand, changing track surfaces and reconfiguring some of the barns for Standardbred Horses is $4.6 million.  Winter harness racing would necessitate the installation of lights at our “historic” track right in center of a residential neighborhood.  While we as a Council would love to do whatever it takes to protect Monmouth Park and help it not only survive, but thrive, this Commission’s proposed plan ignores the most obvious socially and fiscally responsible solution: allowing for the installation of video lottery terminals, slot machines or a gaming casino at the Meadowlands.

Both the Standardbred owners and the thoroughbred owners are united in their opposition to a dual meet at Monmouth.  The Standardbred owners have perhaps the best track in the country, at the Meadowlands, located in an industrial area off of Route 3, 7 miles from midtown Manhattan.  It is foolhardy to expect their loyal patrons to travel 1 hour South of East Rutherford to Oceanport to enjoy Harness Racing when Yonkers Raceway, 30 minutes away from East Rutherford, offers the same product AND a casino.  The thoroughbred owners have enjoyed Monmouth Park for years and would much rather race on the surface that currently exists. Let’s not forget that   the two most interested parties, the horsemen and the general public, are clamoring for a racino at the Meadowlands facility, the Commission dismisses the idea out of hand in favor of a proposal that provides neither party with what it wants.

Two reports by Christiansen Capital Advisors, commissioned by the New Jersey Department of Treasury, recommended the installation of slot machines at the Meadowlands. The reports stated that 5,000 machines at the Meadowlands would produce $750 million annually and that 10,000 machines would produce $1.5 billion annually. The same study suggested that 2,100 slots at the Meadowlands would reduce Atlantic City gross gaming revenue by a mere .01 percent.

Senator Sean Kean recently said on the New Jersey Senate floor “if it (a Racino at the Meadowlands) were put to a vote we’d probably get a majority, if not a super-majority (in support), to save horse racing in the state of New Jersey.”  Despite the overwhelming financial benefits flowing from such an arrangement, the Hanson Report summarily dismisses the installation of Video Lottery Terminals, slot machines or a gaming casino in the Meadowlands.

Chairman Hanson, through his Commission, which, interestingly, includes no horsemen, refuses to acknowledge the viability of the racino model and, instead, continues to dump on our horse racing industry and the 7,000 jobs, $110 million in federal, state and local taxes, and 57,000 acres of working agricultural landscape which come along with it. Racinos around the country employ nearly 30,000 people. Bringing racinos to New Jersey will create thousands of new jobs. Additionally, it will solidify many jobs that may be in danger of leaving our state in favour of states that have already authorized racino legislation. Racinos are a proven model that states around the country are turning to for gaming. Twelve states have already implemented racinos and many more are debating proposals to allow them in the near future. In 2009, racinos around the country generated $2.6 billion dollars in tax revenue for state and local governments. Additionally, they strengthen the state’s agricultural industry. Racinos allow existing racetracks to grow their purses, spurring new investments in breeding racehorse ownership throughout the state. Additional racehorses will create more jobs and improve the overall economic impact. As Delaware, Pennsylvania, New York and the nine other racino states can attest – racinos improve the rural economy.

Racinos that have reinvested their windfalls into racing, such as Sunland Park in New Mexico which hosts the Grade 3 Sunland Park Derby, which Mine That Bird used as a launching pad to his Kentucky Derby victory, and Prairie Meadows in Iowa, which hosts the Iowa Festival of Racing, with three graded stakes that attracted full fields of competitive, quality horses in 2010 are just two examples of the proven business model.

Let’s do everything we can to get this matter to a vote of the New Jersey legislature as soon as possible!

Joe Irace is the Council President of Oceanport, NJ

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Beck Applauds Passage of Off-Track and Exchange Wagering Bills

Two bills sponsored by Senator Jennifer Beck (R-Monmouth) that would help New Jersey’s horseracing industry were unanimously passed today by the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee.

“Horseracing is a vibrant, vital component of New Jersey life and culture,” Beck stated. “The horse racing industry provides thousands of jobs, contributes over one billion dollars a year to our state’s economy and keeps about one-fifth of the state’s total acreage in agriculture. The two bills passed today address the long-term future of the horse racing industry by encouraging it to expand and move forward.”  

 The first bill (S-829) would allow New Jersey to be the first state in the country to offer “exchange wagering” on the results of horse races.  Exchange wagering is a form of wagering in which two or more persons place directly opposing wagers on the outcome of a horse race or races.

The second bill (S-1980) amends New Jersey’s “Off-Track and Account Wagering Act,” to facilitate the establishment of off-track wagering facilities in the State. Currently, only three of the State’s 15 off-track wagering licenses are being used.

“Being a leader in different gaming options and offering additional off-track wagering facilities are two viable solutions that would increase revenue to support New Jersey’s racing industry,” Beck continued. “I am confident horseracing can thrive in New Jersey and continue to be a staple of our tourism industry.”   

Beck has been a strong voice in the Legislature for the horseracing industry. The Senator has put forth a number of proposals to grow the sport and hosted a  bipartisan Equine Symposium in September. In July, a bill sponsored by Senator Beck was signed into law that decreased the number of annual race dates at both the Meadowlands Racetrack and Freehold Raceway, thus increasing the amount that can be offered in their purses.

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BIPARTISAN EQUINE SYMPOSIUM A SUCCESS, BOUGHT MORE THAN 80 ATTENDEES TO LEARN ABOUT IMPACT OF INDUSTRY ON NEW JERSEY

Yesterday’s Equine Symposium, co-hosted by Senator Jennifer Beck, Senator Paul Sarlo, Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande, Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon, Assemblywoman Connie Wagner, Assemblyman Ralph Caputo brought more than 80 attendees including elected officials, equine experts, business owners and breeders to Perretti Farms to discuss the present challenges to New Jersey’s equine industry and possible solutions to facing those challenges.

“The goal of today’s event was to educate interested parties on the far-reaching effects of the horse industry in New Jersey,” said Casagrande, “and I believe it was quite a success. By bringing together experts from all equine and equine-related industries in New Jersey, as well as legislators from both sides of the aisle who believe in a future for horse racing in our State, we were able to create a full picture of exactly how vital this industry is to the economy in New Jersey.”

“We hosted this event in order to educate people on the complexity of this industry,” said Beck, “and possible long-term strategies that are needed to run these businesses. The equine industry is an important economic driver in our State, bringing in jobs and revenue. Today we heard in more definite terms the impact it has on Monmouth County and New Jersey. The numbers don’t lie. Horse racing was a self-sustaining industry until 2007 when gaming competition began appearing on our borders, and with the right type of out-of-the-box thinking, it can be that again, and New Jersey can once again take it’s place as a world leader in this area.”

Speakers at the Symposium included Karyn Malinowsi, Director of the Equine Science Center at Rutgers University; Anthony Perretti, owner of Perretti Farms; Tom Swales, President of the New Jersey Thoroughbred Association; Tom Luchento, President of the SBOANJ; Dennis Drazen, Chairman of the New Jersey Racing Commission; Rick Wills, owner of Rick Saddle Shop; and Dr. Scott Palmer, NJ Equine Clinic.

Also in attendance were Freehold Director Lillian Burry, Assemblyman Joe Malone, Assemblyman Ronald Dancer, Assemblywoman Alison McHose and Assemblywoman DiAnne Gove.

The discussion ranged from the dollars and cents the equine industry brings to New Jersey to its contribution of maintaining nearly 200,000 acres of open space throughout the State.

“As we heard here today,” said O’Scanlon, “the horse industry is not simply racing and racetracks. It’s hay and feed suppliers, it’s drivers and jockeys, tack suppliers, and veterinarians. We will continue to work with all of these industries in our efforts to make the horse racing in New Jersey, not just sustainable, but maintain its place in the world arena.”

“I fear that if the Meadowlands Racetrack closes,” said Wagner, “there will be a ripple effect that negatively impacts not only the gaming industry in NJ but several sectors of our economy and thousands of jobs will be lost as a result.  The racetrack is in Bergen County but the financial impact will be felt statewide.”

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BIPARTISAN GROUP TO HOST EDUCATIONAL SYMPOSIUM

A bipartisan group of State Legislators will be hosting a Symposium on the Equine Industry in New Jersey on September 27^th at Perretti Farms, New Jersey’s largest horse farm, in Cream Ridge from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. as an opportunity to educate fellow legislators and other New Jersey residents about the importance of horse and horse-related industries to the State’s economy.

The event is co-hosted by Senator Jennifer Beck, Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande, Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon, Assemblyman Ralph Caputo and Assemblywoman Connie Wagner.

“Recently,” said Assemblywoman Casagrande, “there has been a great deal of discussion about the future of the horse racing industry in New Jersey. It is our hope that this event will serve as an opportunity to learn about the present state of the equine industry, the challenges it currently faces, and possible solutions to make it once again a self-sustaining industry.”

“We are hosting this event at the largest standardbred horse farms in New Jersey,” said Senator Beck, “so that people can see firsthand the complexity and long term strategy needed to breed and raise racehorses. This fall, Perretti Farms has approximately 100 yearlings bred from some of the best standardbred horses in the State. Farms like this are an important economic engine for New Jersey.”

“Horseracing alone is a $4 billion industry in New Jersey,” said Assemblyman O’Scanlon, “and horse-related professions account for around 13,000 jobs in the State. This event will provide a venue for a discussion that all interested parties need to have about the survival and sustainability of this industry.”

Among the featured guest speakers are Karyn Malinowski, from the Rutgers University Equine Science Center; Anthony Perretti, a standardbred breeder; Tom Swales, president of the Thoroughbred Breeder’s Association of New Jersey; and Peter Furey, Executive Director of the New Jersey Farm Bureau.

This event is a bipartisan, educational opportunity to continue the discussion on the future of horse racing and gaming in New Jersey.

“Horse racing is an essential component of New Jersey’s gaming industry,” said Assemblyman Caputo, “and we must do all we can to support it by enticing customers back to the racetracks and the Atlantic City casinos alike.  The installation of video lottery terminals (VLTs) at the Meadowlands is something to seriously consider in order to stem the tide of gambling revenue flowing out of New Jersey to racinos and casinos in New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Delaware.”

“Discussions such as the ones we will have at this Symposium are vital to continued economic growth in New Jersey,” said Senator Paul Sarlo. “I am eager to see in-depth discussions continue that include both the equine industry and casinos so that the best solution can be found for our State.”

Perretti Farms is located at 329 State Highway 526, Cream Ridge, New Jersey and can be contacted by calling 609-259-7555

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