As
the new season begins we believe this is the most pivotal in the history of
Standardbred racing at the Meadowlands.
It is quite obvious that without the benefit of alternative gambling it
is very difficult for the Meadowlands to compete with tracks in New York and Pennsylvania
for horses and for the breeders in New Jersey to compete as well. We are currently focused on having a
referendum placed on the ballot in 2016 that would allow for gambling outside
of Atlantic City, at which point, we would then bid on what is likely to be two
or three licenses. While there is no
assurance that we would win in polling, the only location that the voters are
supportive of is the Meadowlands and because we could convert over to a casino
so quickly we believe we have an advantage over any other possible bidders. We hope to have this legislation passed in
early January so that we have as much time as possible to put a campaign
together to try to get the measure approved by the voters in November. Preliminary estimates are that a campaign of
this nature costs between $15 Million - $30 Million depending on how much
opposition arises. We are asking for the
support of all owners, drivers and trainers as we believe it is critical to
build momentum heading towards this crucial vote. We need to show the value of the Meadowlands
to the people of New Jersey by helping us put on competitive racing with full
fields and as many people in the grandstand as possible. We have built a beautiful facility with
excellent customer service and excellent food provided by ARK Restaurant. Hopefully when your horses are racing you
will come rather than watching on a computer and enjoy spending the evening in
Trotters and bring some friends along who might possibly get interested in
becoming owners as well. It is clear
that if we are going to have a successful breeding business we need to find
young people to purchase yearlings as those like myself are gradually slowing
down.
In an
effort to promote standardbred racing here, The Meadowlands has spent $1.5
Million in marketing in 2015 and will spend another $1.5 Million in 2016. Right now, evidence of these expenses can be
seen all over the New Jersey and New York City areas, including on the New
Jersey Turnpike, inbound and outbound at the Lincoln Tunnel, and a large video
sign in midtown Manhattan at 49th Street and 7th Avenue.
We
believe that The Meadowlands has established itself as the industry leader in
promoting and marketing harness racing including our out of competition drug
testing program and we ask that in return, owners, drivers and trainers support
the Meadowlands in this most important racing season. Thank you and hope to see you in Trotters as
the season progresses.
Sincerely,
Jeff
Gural
