JON S. CORZINE
Governor

Nina Mitchell Wells
Secretary of State

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 24, 2008

Contact: Jennifer Szczepanski
609.292.7138

NEW JERSEY PROUDLY HOSTS THE 41ST RUNNING OF THE HASKELL INVITATIONAL HANDICAP AUGUST 3 AT MONMOUTH PARK RACETRACK

$1 MILLION Running to Feature Kentucky Derby, Preakness Winner Big Brown

TRENTON, N.J. -One of greatest traditions in horseracing continues on Sunday, August 3, as Monmouth Park Racetrack hosts the 41st running of the legendary Haskell Invitational Handicap. With its $1 million dollar purse, the event stands as one the major American Grade 1 races for three-year-old thoroughbreds in the country. Gates will open at approximately 10 a.m., with post time for the first race at 12 p.m. As always, children under the age of 12 are admitted free.

The 2008 Haskell Invitational will prove memorable as the elite field of 33 will include Big Brown – winner of both this year’s Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. If that wasn’t enough of a backdrop, trainer Todd Pletcher will attempt his third straight Haskell Crown with Atoned. Pletcher saddled Bluegrass Cat and Any Given Saturday to victory in 2006 and 2007, respectively.

“Summer months are always memorable in New Jersey, with its legendary 127-miles of beautiful, Atlantic coastline and wonderful, exciting getaways and activities for all ages and interests – and the Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park remains an indisputable highlight of the season,” said Secretary of State Nina Mitchell Wells. “Equally important, it showcases the state’s rich equine history, whether it’s as home to the U.S. Equestrian Team, the beautiful, 147-acre Horse Park of New Jersey and so much more.”

A truly family-oriented experience, Haskell Day also features “Family Fun Day” with a focus squarely on children. From 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., the legendary Monmouth Park Green will host  free activities for children ranging from pony rides, face painters, clowns, live music and additional attractions.

In 1968, the Haskell Invitational Handicap was named in honor of Armory L. Haskell (1893-1966), the beloved former President and Chairman of Monmouth Park Jockey Club beginning in 1945. The Haskell name has been synonymous with the present race for the country’s top three-year-olds since 1981.

“With every annual running of the Haskell Invitational, the people of New Jersey, the nation and the world have an opportunity to enjoy the great three-year-olds compete for one of the most prestigious prizes in all of horseracing – and the presence of Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Big Brown only confirms this,” noted Nancy Byrne, executive director of New Jersey’s Division of Travel & Tourism. “And, of course, it highlights one of the state’s most popular, enduring and beautiful venues in the Monmouth Park Racetrack.”

For more information on the 2008 Haskell Invitational Handicap, its history and a complete listing of events at Monmouth Park Racetrack, visit www.monmouthpark.com.

For further insight on tourism opportunities in the Garden State, or to receive a copy of the 2008 New Jersey Travel Guide, contact the New Jersey Office of Travel & Tourism at 800-VISITNJ or visit www.visitnj.org.