SBOANJ President Mark Ford Expresses Shock Over Freehold Raceway Closure
Freehold Raceway to Close in December, Leaving New Jersey Without a Harness Racing Track
Industry Leaders Express Disappointment, Concern Over Loss of Jobs and Economic Impact
In a stunning announcement that has sent shockwaves through the harness racing community, Freehold Raceway in New Jersey will close its doors in December. The decision, made by the track's owners, Penn National Gaming, has left many wondering about the future of the sport in the state. Mark Ford, president of the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey (SBOANJ), said the closure came as a "very big shock" to the industry. "Freehold has been a staple of harness racing in New Jersey for decades," Ford said. "It's a sad day for the sport." The closure of Freehold Raceway will leave New Jersey without a single harness racing track. The Meadowlands Racetrack, once a thriving hub for the sport, closed in 2015. The loss of Freehold Raceway will have a significant impact on the industry in the state, as it was the only remaining venue for live harness racing. Industry leaders have expressed their disappointment and concern over the closure of Freehold Raceway. They say the loss of the track will not only impact the horse racing industry but also the local economy. Freehold Raceway employs hundreds of people and generates millions of dollars in revenue for the surrounding area. "This is a devastating blow to the harness racing industry in New Jersey," said Bob Mulcahy, president of the United States Harness Racing Association (USHRA). "Freehold Raceway was a vital part of the sport in this state, and its closure will leave a huge void." Mulcahy said the USHRA is working with state officials to try to find a way to keep Freehold Raceway open. However, he said it is unclear at this point whether that will be possible. "We are exploring all of our options," Mulcahy said. "We are not giving up hope yet." Ford said the SBOANJ is also working with state officials to find a way to keep Freehold Raceway open. He said the association is committed to doing everything it can to save the track. "We are not going to give up without a fight," Ford said. "Freehold Raceway is too important to the harness racing industry and to the state of New Jersey." The closure of Freehold Raceway is a major setback for the harness racing industry in New Jersey. However, industry leaders are not giving up hope that the track can be saved. They are working with state officials to find a way to keep Freehold Raceway open and ensure the future of harness racing in the state.
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