By
Carol Hodes for the SBOANJ
MANALAPAN,
NJ – November 15, 2015 – A Meadowlands initiative to have trainers provide
condition comments on each entry was delayed thanks to a phone call from
Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association President Tom Luchento.
“I
called Meadowlands Chairman Jeff Gural on Sunday morning at 10 a.m., after I
heard about this announcement,” Luchento said. “I felt this was something
that needed to be discussed with the SBOANJ.
“Initially,
I heard from our board member, Dr. Stephen Dey, the veterinarian who treats Bee
A Magician, who has an issue with tying up,” Luchento explained. “It was
her disappointing fourth-place finish on Friday night as the betting choice
which seems to have triggered this action.
“We
want to support every effort to provide bettors with all the information
possible,” Luchento added. “After a cordial discussion with Jeff, he
agreed to delay implementation until we have an opportunity to meet.”
The
Meadowlands issued a statement Sunday afternoon that the track agreed to the
delay of the Saturday announcement of a new program which would have “obligated
[every trainer] to give the race office an update on how the horse they are
entering has been training.”
