Monmouth Park Deal Completed

Horsemen and state officials in New Jersey have reportedly reached agreement on dates and purses for the 2012 Monmouth Park meet, ending the question of whether the track would be open next year and under what circumstances.

According to the Asbury Park Press, horsemen have agreed to a 2012 meet of 141 days with average daily purses of $150,000-$175,000. The newspaper reported that funding is about $4 million short of maintaining the track’s stakes program, raising the question of whether the track’s showcase event, the Haskell Invitational (gr. I), will be renewed in 2012.