N.J. dates set for 2006

The New Jersey Racing commission on Tuesday approved 124 days of Throughbred racing in the state for 2006, almost exactly the same as this year's schedule.

Monmouth Park and The Meadowlands, which are operated by the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, were granted 120 days of racing, the same as this year. Monmouth will hold a 90-day meet, May 13-Sept. 24, and The Meadowlands will have a 30-day season, Sept. 29-Nov. 11.

Atlantic City Race Course, owned by Greenwood Racing, will conduct a four-day meet, April 26-27 and May 3-4. The 2006 meet will not include any steeplechase racing. This season, Atlantic City ran two days of flat racing and two days of steeplechase racing. The meet will allow Atlantic City to keep its year-round simulcasting license in force.

According to Ray Molski, assistant director of the New Jersey Racing Commission, Hal Handel, president of Atlantic City Race Course, said at the commission meeting that Greenwood Racing is considering making improvements to its grandstand, which has fallen into disrepair, and requesting additional racing dates in coming years.

The commission approved 352 harness dates for 2006, 160 at The Meadowlands and 192 at Freehold Raceway.