TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — State officials and New Jersey horse racing industry leaders say they have reached an agreement to reduce the number of racing dates at Monmouth Park this summer but boost purses to $1 million a day, tops in the nation.
Under the agreement reached Monday, the track will conduct a 50-day meet, racing Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, plus three Monday holidays, from May 22 to Sept. 11.
An official announcement is expected Tuesday.
The state Legislature will have to approve the amended racing calendar.
The plan also calls for a 21-day fall meet at Monmouth with lesser purses. The fall thoroughbred meet at the Meadowlands Racetrack would be eliminated.
