July 8, 2010
Office of The Attorney General
– Paula T. Dow, Attorney General
N.J. Racing Commission
– Frank Zanzuccki, Executive Director
Media Inquiries-
Lee Moore
609-292-4791
Citizen Inquiries-
609-292-4925
Racing Amendments Would Eliminate Non-Accredited Foal Program, Address ‘Extraordinary Medical Situations” for Broodmares, Stallions
Date of Proposal: June 21, 2010
Proposal Number: PRN 2010-099
Proposal Description: The proposed amendments to rule N.J.A.C. 13:70-6.53 would eliminate the non-accredited program for New-Jersey-bred foals after the foal crop of 2010 and would also add language to the rule to address “extraordinary medical situations” involving broodmares and stallions. The Thoroughbred Breeder’s Association (TBA) board of trustees has voted to eliminate the non-accredited New-Jersey-bred foal program for two reasons. The first is that the non-accredited program has not had the impact intended when the rule was initiated in 2004. The TBA hoped the program would encourage stallion owners to bring top quality stallions to stand in New Jersey and therefore attract more quality mares to the state as well. That has not happened. The second reason is the TBA has received negative feedback from trainers and owners of New-Jersey-bred horses who feel it is unfair that non-accredited horses are able to run in restricted races. According to these trainers and owners, horses foaled in other states should not be allowed to run in restricted races against horses who were born in New Jersey. The TBA notes that the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority supports elimination of the non-accredited foal program.
Specifically, the amendments state that all non-accredited foals born between 2005 and 2010 will still be considered registered New-Jersey-bred foals and will remain eligible for races and incentives under the program.
The amendments also specify criteria that a broodmare or stallion must meet in situations where the horse must leave New Jersey for a medical procedure to be performed to protect the health of the horse. To qualify, the procedure must involve an extraordinary medical situation and the breeder of a mare or unborn foal or the owner of a stallion must desire that an expert located outside of New Jersey conduct the procedure.
Summary of Proposal: A complete summary of the proposed rule amendment is posted on the New Jersey Racing Commission Web site at: www.nj.gov/oag/racing/proposed.html
Public Comment: Public comment on the proposed rule will be accepted until August 20, 2010. Please direct all comments to:
Frank Zanzuccki, Executive Director
New Jersey Racing Commission
P.O. Box 088, 140 E. Front St.
Trenton, New Jersey 08625
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