The Assembly Regulatory Oversight and Gaming Committee approved bipartisan legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Ronald S. Dancer to guarantee consistent levels of funding from horse races to programs that benefit horsemen.

Current law dedicates a percentage of purse money goes to programs that benefit horsemen, such as pension, health and benefits, but varies on the amount depending on race tracks. The bill, A-2913, would require Freehold Raceway’s statutory dedication to go from 3.2 percent to 5 percent, in line with the Meadowlands Racetrack. Presently, Freehold Raceway and the horseman have a contractual agreement that provides the 5 percent and this legislation will simply codify the same 5 percent into the statutes for consistency.

“Horses cannot race without drivers, trainers and grooms and this ensures that programs that benefit vital members of the horse racing community are properly-funded,” said Dancer, R-Ocean, Monmouth, Burlington and Middlesex. “This level of funding will be the same at all standardbred racetracks in New Jersey, providing a consistent level of support to important programs for horse-racing employees.”

The bill has bipartisan support from Assemblyman John Burzichelli.
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