UPDATE ON THE MONICA THORS MATTER

By Carol Hodes for the SBOANJ

MANALAPAN, NJ – December 2, 2014 – The New Jersey SPCA will visit the Swedesboro, NJ farm where Monica Thors is stabled today.

“We wanted to share with the concerned horsemen and public, who are following this case, that we have learned that the NJ SPCA is going to the farm today to evaluate the conditions and conduct a thorough investigation into the horses in her care,” said Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey President Tom Luchento.  “We expect a resolution soon.”

STRATTON WINS FIVE DURING YONKERS’ “MUD-DAY” CARD

BY FRANK DRUCKER, Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway

YONKERS, NY, Monday, December 1, 2014—Question…Who had a mud facial and won five races Monday night?

If you answered “Jordan Stratton,” then advance to the next round, where the questions are more difficult and probably somewhat embarrassing.

Stratton began the month with a quintet of Yonkers Raceway winners, relishing the raindrops and sashaying through the slop.

He swept the $53 early daily double, with the pacer Move Blue Chip ($14.60) in the $9,000 opener (1:58.3) and a catch-drive behind Ibanez ($6.50) in the $9,000, second-race trot (2:01).

            It was longshot Western Credit ($24.60) from off the pace in the $10,000, fourth-race trot (2:00.3) for Stratton’s third win of the evening, and a first-up Beachy Dream ($9) in the $13,000, ninth-race pace (1:57.2) for his fourth.

            Stratton, who had assignments in 11 of the 12 races, completed his very own Pick 5 with a Massive Talent ($5) catch-drive in the $13,000, 11^th-race trot (flat two minutes).    

            The Raceway's five-program-per-week live schedule continues through Dec. 14, with first post every Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:10 PM, and the fifth of six Sunday matinees (replacing Tuesday evenings) next weekend just after 11 AM. Evening simulcasting accompanies all night programs, with afternoon simulcasting available daily.  

STATEMENT ON THE MONICA THORS MATTER

By Carol Hodes for the SBOANJ

MANALAPAN, NJ – December 1, 2014 – The Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey has been consulting with legislators and other officials in Trenton and feels confident that there should be a resolution to the matter of the horses being mistreated at a Swedesboro, NJ farm.

“We are aware of the inhumane treatment of standardbreds owned by Monica Thors, and we have used our contacts in state government to push for actions to remove the horses from her,” said SBOANJ President Tom Luchento.  “The appropriate agencies in Trenton will be moving forward to rectify this problem.  We are shocked and incensed that the mistreatment of these horses has been ongoing and the issues unresolved despite previous interventions by state agencies. 

“We have reached out to our contacts in state government, and we are adding the pressure we can provide to the voices of many who have spoken out about this shocking incident,” Luchento added.  “We have been assured that there will be action and a resolution to this shortly.”