MANALAPAN, NJ -- July 21, 2017 -- Phil Murphy sees a
bright future for New Jersey’s equine industry and he is eager to play a role
in it.
“I think our best days in the racing industry, whether
it’s Standardbred or Thoroughbred, and the best days in the equine industry are
ahead of us,” said Murphy, the Democratic candidate to succeed Gov. Chris
Christie in November’s general election. “But we do need leadership that
appreciates that, that understands what you have to do to move that needle, and
I’m honored to be raising my hand to do that.”
Murphy, a Monmouth County resident and former U.S.
ambassador to Germany, is facing Republican Kim Guadagno in New Jersey’s race
for governor. Several polls show Murphy with a 20-point lead over Guadagno, who
has served as lieutenant governor for two terms under Christie.
During a recent visit to the Meadowlands Racetrack, where
Murphy presented the Meadowlands Pace trophy to the winning connections of
Huntsville, he reiterated previous support for the industry. He called the
Meadowlands “a gem in our state” and discussed the need to support the push by
New Jersey’s racing and breeding industries to regain a competitive balance
with neighbor states that have racino-driven programs.
“It’s one of the principle reasons I supported North
Jersey gaming that was on the ballot last year,” Murphy said, referring to an
unsuccessful referendum to amend the state’s constitution and expand gaming
outside of Atlantic City. “I think that’s one very specific way we can push
back on that.
“Frankly, whether it’s in the equine industry or more
broadly in our economy, I’m sick of losing out to our neighbors. I’m sick of
hearing that jobs went to Pennsylvania or New York, or that people moved to
Pennsylvania or New York. New Jersey is one of the most compelling states in
the nation. I think with the right leadership this industry, and more broadly
the economy in the state, can come roaring back.”
Earlier this year, Murphy met with a large group of
horsemen and horsewomen at a fundraiser sponsored by the Standardbred Breeders
and Owners Association of New Jersey and TrotPAC, the organization’s political
action committee, hosted by Deo Volente Farms.
“There are a couple of industries in this state that we
used to own,”
Murphy said. “The equine industry is on the list. And
it’s high on the list. And (what has happened) doesn’t make any sense."
“You look at the thousands of jobs, the millions in
economic benefit, and the open space benefits that are provided to a state that
is the densest state in the nation. Recognizing the importance of this industry
to the state, both historically and what it can be again, is not exactly hard to
figure out.”
Following the Meadowlands Pace, Murphy was joined in the
winner’s circle by a group that included SBOA President Mark Ford, Deo Volente
Farms CEO and SBOA Treasurer Mike Gulotta, and Meadowlands Racetrack Chairman
Jeff Gural.
“This is the 41st Meadowlands Pace, and Phil with your
help there will be another hundred after this,” Gural said.
“I think the best days for this industry are in front of
us,” Murphy said. “I think the future is quite bright.”
