New Jersey tracks to remain open through July 4

New Jersey tracks to remain open through July 4

Operations at Monmouth Park and the Meadowlands, affected by a New Jersey

state government shutdown over the weekend, will proceed through

the July 4 holiday. According to a statement posted on the tracks' websites,

Monmouth and the Meadowlands will be open for live and simulcast racing through

the last live Thoroughbred race at Monmouth on Tuesday.

"We will keep our horsemen, guests and employees apprised of the status of

live and simulcast racing at both racetracks beyond the July 4th holiday card as

soon as we are informed," said Dennis Dowd, senior vice president of racing for

the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority.

The shutdown was the result of a budget impasse. New Jersey Governor Jon

Corzine on Saturday signed an Executive Order to "immediately begin the orderly

shutdown of non-essential state government functions" because a balanced budget

had not been passed by the "midnight constitutional deadline," according to a

press release from the governor's office.

Monmouth and the Meadowlands were affected because the Executive Order shut

down the New Jersey Racing Commission, necessitating the stoppage of wagering in

the state on Saturday evening. As reported in the Daily Racing Form, a

New Jersey appellate court on Sunday ruled that Monmouth and the Meadowlands

could continue operations through Tuesday.

In addition to simulcasting all day long, Monmouth will conduct live

Thoroughbred cards beginning at 12:50 p.m. (EDT). The Meadowlands will be open

for simulcasting on Monday and Tuesday.