Jersey Purse Supplements Await Signature

A bill that would pump $11.7 million into the New Jersey Thoroughbred racing industry passed the state Assembly Thursday by a vote of 70-3 and has gone to ccting Gov. Donald DiFrancesco's desk to be signed into law.

Barbara DeMarco Reiche, a lobbyist for the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, said DiFrancesco cast one of the 40 "yes" votes on Monday, when the bill breezed through the Senate, and is expected to sign the bill in early April.

The $11.7 million would be used for purses at Monmouth Park and Meadowlands this year. Daily purses could average $275,000 $300,000.
Atlantic City Race Course and Garden State Park, both of which will run short "boutique" this spring, will not share in the funds.

"This is a great day for New Jersey Thoroughbred racing," said Francis (Bud) Keegan, president of the New Jersey THA. "Obviously, our state representatives see the benefits to the state's economy of a strong Thoroughbred meet at both Monmouth Park and Meadowlands."