New Jersey State Assemblyman Ronald S. Dancer (R-District 30) will recognize Tom Luchento, president of the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey, for his vigorous efforts to the help people in the harness racing industry.
Dancer will honor Luchento at a reception scheduled 6-8 p.m. Oct. 22 in the Renaissance Room at Freehold Raceway in Freehold, according to a Standardbred Breeders and OwnersAssociation of New Jersey press release.
Dancer, who has been a state assemblyman since November 2002, is the son of the late Stanley Dancer, a member of the Harness RacingHall of Fame. Luchento accepted the 2008 Stanley Dancer Media Award on July 11. Presented by the New Jersey Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association, the award acknowledges an individual whose efforts keep with the example set by the late Dancer, of the New Egypt section of Plumsted, who was known for his positive representation of the standardbred industry before state lawmakers and journalists.
Luchento began his involvement in harness racing in 1959 while attending Madison Township [now Old Bridge] High School. He opened his own stable at the age of 20 and drove and trained horses that raced at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford and Freehold Raceway.
In 1989, Luchento stopped driving and concentrated on training horses and opened Luchento’s Country Italian Restaurant on Route 33 in Millstone, which is within walking distance to the training centers at Gaitway and Showplace farms. Luchento’s Restaurant thrived under the management of the Luchento family for 17 years and was sold in September 2008.
Luchento has served as the president of the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey for the last three years and also serves as vice president of Harness Horsemen’s International. Now that he sold the restaurant, Luchento has more time to dedicate to horse industry issues and is seeking a United States Trotting Association District 12 directorship.
Tickets for the buffet dinner and ceremony on Oct. 22 may be purchased through Jamie Montgomery at 856-810-7390 or jmontgomery@ turnkeyproductions.net. The contribution is $250 per person.