August 2020

OCEANPORT – The New Jersey State Senate  honored Monmouth Park, Dennis Drazin and all those involved in this year’s Aug. 2 William Haskell Invitational  for their contributions in executing what Sen. Jennifer Beck (R-Monmouth) dubbed a “wonderful family day.”And it just may happen all over again in September.  Monmouth Park is trying to arrange a $1M race, in addition to a lucrative multi-race bonus package, to lure American Pharoah’s owner, Ahmed Zayat to return the Triple Crown winner back to Oceanport in September.Drazin, horseman, Red Bank attorney and advisor to Monmouth Park who was the man behind getting American Pharoah here in the first place, has been trying since before the Haskell to get the horse here again, apparently.Drazin said if the horse is going to run in the Travers Stakes in Saratoga Aug.  29 he would need another race before the Breeders’ Cup Classic Oct. 31 to stay in shape.“It would be convenient for his schedule” to have the Monmouth Park race,” Drazin said.There as been no word from the owners that the horse will run in the Tavers or at Monmouth Park, Drazin stressed.“We’re still following up on these efforts,” in trying to get American Pharoah back to Monmouth Park,” he continued. “But absolutely nothing is confirmed at this point.”A return performance would do a world of good for racing in the state, track, county and state officials agree, as well as hopefully have a cascading effect on open space according to the Monmouth County Conservation Foundation. Too many horse farms are being sold because of the low purses being offered in New Jersey, Conservation Foundation officials contend but, they add, political will can change that.American Pharoah’s appearance had a powerful economic impact on the county as well estimated to be $40M, tied with the Breeders Cup in 2007, or more.This year’s Haskell was the largest in Monmouth Park history, with a record-setting 60, 983 in attendance and a high mark of $20M in pari-mutuel wagering throughout the day. “With this year’s record Haskell Invitational, featuring a Triple Crown winner, Monmouth Park once again showed its economic importance for the region and state by drawing more than 60,000 spectators, a worldwide television audience and creating tens of millions of dollars in economic impact,” Kyrillos said. “The equestrian industry has a long and storied history in the Garden State, producing goods and services in excess of $710 million and providing tens of thousands of jobs, as well as generating significant revenue through racing and recreation.”Zayat has stressed he wants to run his horse in the Breeders’ Cup Classic Oct. 31. A Triple Crown winner has never run in the race because it was established after the last Triple Crown winner and Pharoah broke a 37-year dry streak.The owner has expressed some interest in running the horse at the Travers Stakes but trainer Bob Baffert has expressed reluctance to do so, because his horses have not had a great record there. Either way, Monmouth Park wants him back, after Saratoga or in place of Saratoga but definitely before the Breeders Cup, which will mark American Pharoah’s official retirement from racing. He will then go out to stud.Sound unlikely he’ll return to Monmouth Park? Not according to track officials who say the Zayat family was extremely pleased with the way they handled the Haskell.And so were state senators.“Horse racing has a great tradition in New Jersey and this year’s Haskell Invitational was a showcase event that the state can be proud of,” said Senate President Stephen Sweeney.The Senate resolution similarly honors and congratulates Zayat Stables, the winning New Jersey stable that produced the 12th Triple Crown winner in history American Pharaoh, for their participation in the 48th renewal of the Haskell.“He could have raced anywhere in the country,” Beck explained. “Zayat Stables deserves a lot of credit.”“It was a lot of work for Drazin and his team to make this happen, and they did a perfect job,” said Beck. “I don’t think Monmouth Park has ever looked more beautiful. They managed the traffic well; there was barely any waiting, the concessions were great. People were mesmerized. It was one of a kind.”“It was impressive to be on the Senate floor and to have them say such wonderful things,” said Drazin, the Red Bank lawyer who played a pivotal role in organizing the monstrous event. “They are used to tremendous events like the Super Bowl, which was in New Jersey last year. To hear about what a wonderful job Monmouth Park did, it made us very proud.”While Drazin appreciates the Senate’s recognition for his Haskell work, he is largely focused on the long-term commitment the Senate spoke of.“They spoke of wanting to preserve horse racing and wanting to do more. They want to make sure Monmouth Park has enough revenue. Not only were we proud, but it gave the whole team encouragement about the future through their commitment,” he said.“There has to be a comprehensive, strategic effort to bring back horse racing,” said Beck, “but this shows what is possible.”The resolution “pays tribute to [Monmouth Park’s] meritorious history of service and leadership, and extends best wishes for its continued success,” and after an historic day for Monmouth Park, Monmouth County, and the State of New Jersey, it is hopeful that equestrian industry within the state can build off of this year’s record success.By John Burton and Dillon Stambaugh read more