[ml/nj]

This really is a bold move. It looks to me like an attempt by the Monmouth folks to join Saratoga, Del Mar, and Keeneland which hold the elite thoroughbred racing meets in the US. (Monmouth has generally been a second tier meet, not bad, but second tier. Not generally known, even by Monmouth publicity folks it would seem, is that Monmouth usually has the highest attendance among race tracks in the US on days when they race until Del Mar opens in late July.)

It would be interesting to know precisely what recently elected Governor Christie had to do with this plan. I wonder whether he had anything to do with its conception; or if he was brought on board later and just approved it.

The only slight negative I see is the three day format which may discourage people from traveling from far away for "only" three days of racing. But sometimes three days can be enough. E.g. Next month I will spend four days in Lexington for the Keeneland Spring Meet, but for a number of years my group would "only" go for three days.

ML/NJ

[ml/nj]

ping

[ETL]

They hosted the Breeders Cup in 2007. Won over $3,000 that day with Curlin in the Classic.

[RayChuang88]

The thing that makes Monmouth Park potentially very attractive is that it’s a short drive from New York City and also you can reach it by NJ Transit trains. Watch the Belmont Park management raise their prize money to prevent losses to Monmouth Park.