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JON S. CORZINE |
Nina Mitchell Wells |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
Contact:
Shawn Crisafulli |
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New Jersey's Equine History Touted at Two Championship Races—Hambletonian and Haskell Trenton—The Garden State is well known for it’s unique treasures, but few attractions can match the thrill of its equine competition. Exemplifying this excitement are the world-renowned Hambletonian and the Haskell Invitational taking place this weekend (August 4-5) at the Meadowland and Monmouth Park Racetrack, respectively. “New Jersey has tremendous pride in its equine history,” said Secretary of State Nina Mitchell Wells “While this weekend will highlight our world-class horse racing competition, it’s also important to note the Garden State provides a wealth of horse attractions – whether as home to the U.S. Equestrian Team or the magnificent 147-acre Horse Park of New Jersey.” Harness racing's preeminent race, the Hambletonian will celebrate its 82nd running live from the Meadowlands on NBC at 3:30 p.m. EST. For those lucky viewers to be there in person, gates will open at 9:00 a.m. with first post following at 11:30 a.m. Along with the $750,000 Hambletonian Oaks & $1.5 Million Hambletonian Finals, the race card features:
The day will feature separate giveaways for both adults and children, in addition to a whirlwind of other activities, including live music by RATSO (presented by MAGIC 98.3), pony rides, carnival games and free amusement rides. For more information, please visit www.meadowlandsracetrack.com. Attracting fans the world over, the top three-year-olds compete for the richest Invitational prize in the nation the following day (August 5) at the $1-million Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park Racetrack. Dating back to 1968, the event is named for Amory Haskell, who led the effort to legalize pari-mutuel wagering during the 1940s, lifting a New Jersey ban on horse betting that had been in effect since 1893. As with the Hambletonian, the Haskell offers a plethora of family fun, with activities including free pony rides, face painters, clowns and live music by Tim McLoone featuring The Shirleys. For more information visit www.monmouthpark.com. "This weekend is always a highlight, and it focuses a nationwide audience on the wonders of the Garden State,” said Nancy Byrne, Executive Director of New Jersey’s Office of Travel & Tourism. “Yet while this is a marquee weekend, it helps promote the fact that horse racing happens all summer long in New Jersey – whether at Monmouth, Freehold and, of course, at the Meadowlands.” For further insight on tourism opportunities in the Garden State, or to receive a copy of the 2007 New Jersey Travel Guide, contact the New Jersey Office of Travel & Tourism at 800-VISITNJ (847-4865) or check the website at www.visitnj.org.
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