Freehold Raceway horsemen had something else to be thankful for last week — a purse increase.
The increase is the end product of negotiations between the Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey (SBOANJ) and the Office of the Governor.
“We want to thank Gov. Chris Christie and his staff for working with us to reach the agreement that released Purse Enhancement Agreement [PEA] funds to benefit Freehold Raceway this year,” SBOANJ President Tom Luchento said.
The PEA dollars came through the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority, which dispersed the funds.
The new purse structure went into effect Nov. 25 and will reflect a 30 percent increase for a daily distribution of $40,000.
“This will be a much needed boost to our horsemen who race at Freehold,” Luchento said. “We will continue to work with state officials to find ways to enhance purses in 2012.”