New Jersey-2020-AR164-Introduced

An Assembly Resolution supporting the Equine Science Center at Rutgers University and the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey in their proposal to phase in the return of horse racing at the Meadowlands Racetrack.

Whereas, Horse racing has been, and will continue to be, an integral part of New Jersey's history and economy; and

Whereas, Races have been held in the State since the 1600s and today these events bring in nearly $100 million of tax revenue annually; and

Whereas, To help stop the spread of COVID-19, Executive Order No. 107 was issued by the Governor on March 21, 2020, which closed all nonessential businesses across the State; and

Whereas, As a result of this order, racetracks, including their stabling facilities and retail sports wagering lounges, were closed until further notice; and

Whereas, In an effort to resume harness racing at the Meadowlands Racetrack, the Equine Science Center and the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey (SBOANJ) have unveiled a proposed risk mitigation plan outlining new policies and procedures to control the spread of the disease at the facility; and

Whereas, The proposal is based on existing protocols in place at racetracks that are currently operating in North America, Sweden, Australia, and New Zealand and embrace many of the principles embraced by public health officials; and

Whereas, The public will be prohibited from entering the facility to watch races, no food or beverages will be sold, the temperatures of all personnel will be taken prior to entering the facility, and access to the paddock will be limited to ensure safe social distancing; and

Whereas, Those permitted access to the paddock will be required to wear a face mask, have his or her body temperature checked prior to entry, be provided protective gloves and hand sanitizer, and be assisted by pre-assigned "runners" to reduce the number of individuals touching common surfaces; and

Whereas, Horses will have one empty stall between them, be grouped according to trainer to limit co-mingling between stables, and must proceed in the same direction when entering and exiting the stall area; and

Whereas, Drivers are encouraged to arrive at the track already dressed in their race colors and may use locker rooms provided there are only two drivers in at one time and safe social distancing is observed; and

Whereas, Once a race has concluded, there will be no winner's circle presentation, stalls will be disinfected with bleach, handlers must leave thirty minutes after the conclusion of a race unless tending to horses, and equipment must be washed at home or in a pre-assigned area; and

Whereas, The Equine Institute and SBOANJ believe that they are one industry capable of being productive during these difficult times; and

Whereas, The horse racing community has long recognized the importance of safety as many of its members already understand how to control the spread of other infectious diseases and illnesses; and

Whereas, The State's breeding industry has continued to conduct business in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak and there is reason to believe horse racing can operate as well; and

Whereas, By resuming horse racing, jobs in the racing and gaming industries can be preserved which will generate taxable economic activity for the State; and

Whereas, Furthermore, with the limited number of horse races being held worldwide, New Jersey would find itself in the unique position to have its own horse races simulcast to millions across the globe and available for wagers; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. This House stands in support of the Equine Science Center at Rutgers University and the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey in their proposal to safely phase in the return of horse racing at the Meadowlands Racetrack.

2. Duly authenticated copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the Clerk of the General Assembly to the Governor, Commissioner of the Department of Health, and the Commissioners of the New Jersey Racing Commission.

STATEMENT

This resolution supports the Equine Science Center at Rutgers University and the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey (SBOANJ) in their proposal to safely phase in the return of horse racing at the Meadowlands Racetrack. The proposal incorporates many of the principles embraced by public health experts such as eliminating large crowds, restricting access to certain areas, practicing safe social distancing, requiring the use of face masks, and disinfecting common areas. Currently, racetracks remain closed until further notice as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic pursuant to Executive Order No. 107 issued by the Governor on March 21, 2020.

During the present public health crisis, safely resuming horse racing at the Meadowlands will help protect jobs while generating taxable economic activity for the State.