A bill filed in the New Jersey Legislature on Wednesday would authorize the state's racing commission to grant one “special” two-day permit per year to allow betting on steeplechase races.
The proposed law, according to the text of Bill A1697, sets forth narrow conditions under which betting would be granted. The special permit must be applied for by a “running race permit holder” and the steeplechase meet must be recognized by the National Steeplechase and Hunt Association.
In New Jersey, the two entities that appear qualified to partner for steeplechase betting under those conditions are Monmouth Park (as wagering host) and the Far Hills Race Meeting, which has conducted steeplechase races for 95 years at Moorland Farm.
The Far Hills races annually draw some 35,000 spectators for one festival-style day each October. The seven-race card in 2015 was highlighted by the $300,000 GI Grand National Hurdle S., billed as the richest steeplechase race in the nation.
An explanatory statement filed with the bill outlines the intent of the legislation:
“For decades, the State of New Jersey has been home to the Far Hills race meeting, a celebrated series of steeplechase horse races held in Far Hills in Somerset County. Though the Far Hills race meeting has traditionally been very popular, wagering is not currently permitted on the races. This bill would allow a running race permit holder in good standing with the State to coordinate with the Far Hills Race Meeting Association in order to allow wagering on the races, which should benefit both the horse racing industry and the viewing public.”
In 2013, Governor Chris Christie gave a conditional veto to legislation that would have allowed gambling at Far Hills.
The new bill has been referred to the Assembly's Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee. Its sponsors are Assemblymen Ronald Dancer, John Burzichelli and Jon Bramnick. –@thortontd
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