Anthony Perretti was among the speakers at an event organized by New Jersey State Assemblywoman Jennifer Beck to highlight the needs of the racing industry in the Garden State, particularly related to purses and pressures from neighboring states with slots-enhanced revenues. The discussion was held at Monmouth Park, which will host the Breeders Cup next month. The state leaders said they would push Gov. Jon Corzine to take greater interest in the racing industry and would continue to work for additional casino subsidies for purses or the installation of slots at the Meadowlands Racetrack. A current arrangement for casino-provided supplements for purses expires at the end of the year. Perretti said he is delighted when he hears gasps of excitement from visitors, notably from overseas, as they get to see renowned stallions such as 2005 Horse of the Year Rocknroll Hanover and 2004 Trotting Triple Crown winner Windsong’s Legacy at Perretti Farms. What disappoints Perretti, the general manager of the farm founded by his father, Bill, in Upper Freehold Township, is the lack of appreciation at home.
“When people from Europe or Down Under visit the farm, you hear them ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ when they get to see these horses; they treat them lock rock stars,” Perretti said Wednesday. “That’s the reputation we have overseas, but that’s not understood in the state of New Jersey.” According to the New Jersey Equine Industry 2007 Economic Impact Report published by the Rutgers Equine Science Center, the state’s horse racing industry is worth $780.5 million dollars annually, approximately $500 million of which is directly related to New Jersey racetracks. This is on top of the 3,820 jobs generated by New Jersey racetracks. Additionally, 176,000 acres of New Jersey agricultural land is dedicated to equine-related operations. “Frankly, we need the governor and legislators to say we can’t jeopardize part of what makes this state special,” Kyrillos said. Zimmerman said it was disingenuous for the casino industry to block slots at the Meadowlands out of fear of losing business because Harrah’s – which owns four Atlantic City casinos – operates Harrah’s Chester Casino and Racetrack just across the Delaware River in Pennsylvania. “We all supported Atlantic City (casinos) and now it’s time for them to support the horseracing community,” Malone said. “The casinos have to come to the table in good faith. We don’t need wall-to-wall parking lots, houses and malls. This industry is one of the most important in the state. “When you visit Perretti Farms, you’d think you’re in a different place in a different time. This is about our quality of life. Anyone who thinks it isn’t is out of their mind.” For more information about the campaign to bolster the state’s racing industry, visit www.savenjhorses.com. (Harness Racing Communications)
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