Monmouth gets two more dates in 2018

The same number of Thoroughbred dates will be held in New Jersey in 2018 as this year but the Monmouth Park meet will be extended two days and the all-turf Meadowlands meet will be reduced by two days.

The New Jersey Racing Commission approved the 2018 racing dates Wednesday.

Monmouth will open on Kentucky Derby Day, May 5, a week earlier than this season. The meet will continue through Sept. 9.

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Racing will be held on Saturdays and Sundays in May and June, with the addition of a Memorial Day card on Monday, May 28. Racing will also be held Wednesday, July 4. Fridays will then be added to the schedule.

Thursday programs are planned for Aug. 2, 9, 16, and 23.

The schedule will be cut back to Saturdays and Sundays in September, with a holiday card planned on Monday, Sept. 3.

The Meadowlands meet will be held on Fridays and Saturdays from Sept. 14 to Sept. 29.