VICTORY AT THE WIRE: $20 MILLION PURSE SUPPLEMENT FULLY RESTORED FOR NEW JERSEY HORSE RACING
Harness Racing Community Celebrates Major Legislative Win as State Renews Full Commitment to Industry Support…
MANALAPAN, NJ — July 2, 2025 — The Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey (SBOANJ) is thrilled to announce the full restoration of the $20 million horse racing purse supplement in the newly adopted FY2026 state budget—a major win for harness racing and the entire equine industry in New Jersey.
This annual funding, split evenly between Standardbreds and thoroughbreds ($10 million each), is part of a second five-year, $100 million reauthorization of the purse supplement program first established by the Governor and Legislature in 2018. The program was reauthorized shortly after the initial five-year period concluded in 2023.
“This is a massive win for harness racing in New Jersey,” said Mark Ford, President of the SBOANJ. “Restoring the full $20 million purse supplement reaffirms the state’s long-standing commitment to the horse racing industry—an industry that supports thousands of jobs, protects open space, and generates millions in tax revenue. This funding is more than a line item; it’s an investment in our farms, our breeders, our trainers, our fans, and the future of racing in New Jersey.”
The purse supplement has proven to be a strategic lifeline, allowing New Jersey to compete with neighboring states that heavily subsidize racing through casino revenues. It supports a stronger stakes program, a more robust breeding industry, and helps position New Jersey as a premier destination to breed, train, and race horses.
The Meadowlands Racetrack, recognized as one of the top harness racing venues in the world, has been a direct beneficiary of these continued investments—ensuring that New Jersey remains the gold standard in Standardbred racing for generations to come.
New Jersey’s horse racing sector contributes more than tens of millions of dollars annually in direct tax revenues and generates hundreds of millions more in spin off economic activity, while preserving thousands of acres of farmland and open space across the state.
The SBOANJ extends its sincere thanks to the Governor and members of the New Jersey Legislature for their continued support and belief in the importance and economic value of the racing industry.
“This victory keeps the momentum going,” added Ford. “We’re grateful—and we’re just getting started.”
