Monmouth finalizes plans for $1 million in daily purses

A dramatic shift in New Jersey racing will emerge in 2010 when Monmouth Park

offers $1 million in average daily purses, by far the highest in North America.

Monmouth's million dollar meet, which gets underway on May 22, will showcase 50

live racing dates running through September 6.

In total, New Jersey Thoroughbred racing will see 71 live dates, down from

the 141 that have been contested the past several years. After the million

dollar meet, Monmouth Park will host a fall racing meet on Saturdays and Sundays

through November 21.

"These exciting changes would not have been possible without the

collaborative effort of all stakeholders in New Jersey racing; specifically the

Governor's Gaming, Sports and Entertainment Advisory Commission and the work of

Bob Mulcahy," said Dennis R. Robinson, president and CEO of the New Jersey

Sports & Exposition Authority, which owns and operates Monmouth Park. "We're

confident that this new racing schedule, coupled with the nation's highest

purses, will breathe new life into this industry and become a new foundation for

racing, breeding and tourism in the Garden State."

Following opening weekend of May 22-23, live racing returns on May 29, 30 and

31 (Memorial Day). After the Memorial Day card, Monmouth will race on Fridays,

Saturdays and Sundays as well as two holiday Mondays, July 5 (Independence Day

observed) and September 6 (Labor Day). The $1 million per day in purses more

than triples the $331,000 in average daily purses offered at Monmouth in 2009.

After the Labor Day card, Monmouth Park will host live racing on Saturdays

and Sundays through November 21. Purses for those cards will range from $250,000

to $300,000 per day, with the exception of September 18, when New Jersey-breds

take center stage. Purses that day will be approximately $1 million.

"Once again, Monmouth is on the cutting edge of the industry," Robinson said.

"This is a game changer, not just for racing in New Jersey, but for the entire

region. The longevity of the racing season is nearly identical to what it's been

the past several years; but with fewer dates and the highest purses in the

country, we're more than a little optimistic that significant gains in

attendance, handle and field size are quickly on the horizon."

Major changes to the purse structure include maiden special weight events,

which will go for $75,000, and an entry-level allowance test, which will be set

at $80,000. By comparison, purses for those races in 2009 were $38,000 and

$41,000, respectively.

Overnight stakes, which were contested for $60,000 to $70,000 in 2009, will

start at $100,000 during the million dollar meeting.

"There's no question that this purse structure will generate interest from

horsemen throughout the country," said Robert Kulina, vice president and general

manager of Monmouth Park. "Bringing this concept to fruition would not have been

possible without the tireless efforts of the past and current presidents of the

New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, Dennis Drazin and John Forbes.

Also, the work of Tom Luchento of the Standardbred association and Tommy Swales

of the New Jersey breeders group must be recognized as key components to getting

this agreement finalized.

"The reality is fans have been asking for quality, competitive racing with

larger field sizes. What we're offering in 2010 should more than satiate that

appetite and produce results favorable to fans, horsemen, the Sports Authority

and the State of New Jersey."

The racetrack expects to average 12 live races per day, with holiday cards

likely to see 12 to 13 live events.

In a major shift in New Jersey racing, Thoroughbreds will not compete at the

Meadowlands in East Rutherford for the first time since 1977.

"The savings associated with running Thoroughbreds strictly at Monmouth and

Standardbreds at the Meadowlands will help close the 2010 budget gap at the

NJSEA," Robinson added. "As time goes on, we're optimistic that the changes

we're implementing this year will not only shrink our annual deficit, but

hopefully return the Monmouth Park meet back to profitability."