"Saturday's 1:15 p.m. post time kicks off a 90-day meet with a record $325,000 in daily average overnight purses, some new trainers and riders and a sense of renewed optimism.

"The track and its horsemen are in the second year of a four-year agreement with the Atlantic City casinos that enabled last year's overnight purses to rise to a then-record $316,000. Add to that the upgrades needed to host the 2007 Breeders' Cup, such as redoing the turf course after this season, and everybody attending Tuesday's opening day press conference was excited about 2005.

"…Dennis Drazin, representing the horsemen's association, said the horsemen and the Sports Authority finalized a deal Tuesday which states that both parties will honor the agreement made with the casinos. That deal has not been formally ratified by the New Jersey Racing Commission, and Tuesday's agreement eliminates the need for commission action…"

Published on: 2005-05-12