Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association
Posted Dec. 13, 2016
Monmouth Park and Meadowlands will offer 71 programs of live Thoroughbred racing in 2017 under a schedule recently approved by the New Jersey Racing Commission.
Though the tracks continue to struggle with intense competition for the gambling dollar both in state and in neighboring states, the calendar is similar to those of recent years. Monmouth was awarded 56 days and Meadowlands 15 days of turf racing only, according to the NJRC.
Monmouth, leased by the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and operated by Darby Development on its behalf, will race from May 13-Sept. 24. Racing is scheduled for Saturdays and Sundays in May, as well as Monday, May 30; Fridays through Sundays from June through Aug. 27; and Saturdays and Sundays in September, along with Friday, Sept. 1, and Monday, Sept. 4.
In a change from previous years, the 15-day Thoroughbred meet at Meadowlands will feature two spring programs: May 5-6, which are Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby days. There also will be Standardbred racing in the evening those two days; Thoroughbred post time will be determined at a later date according to a Meadowlands calendar.
The other 13 days of turf racing are set for Oct. 6-Nov. 11, with racing Friday and Saturday evenings and Monday, Oct. 9.
On the harness side in New Jersey, Meadowlands was approved for 91 racing dates in 2017, while Freehold Raceway was awarded 95 days.
(Photo courtesy of Monmouth Park)