Dancer honored for lifelong dedication

TRENTON, NJ —  November 12, 2021 — Assemblyman Ron Dancer, who sponsored the legislation to save the future of New Jersey horse racing by authorizing the lease of the Meadowlands racetrack and Monmouth Park to the private sector, has been honored with the Rutgers Equine Science Center’s “Spirit of the Horse” award in recognition of his contributions to New Jersey’s horse industry.

“Horses have always been a part of my life and I am honored to be able to give back to the equine industry, not only because it has been so impactful personally, but also because it is such an important part of New Jersey’s identity,” Dancer (R-Ocean) said.

Dancer is the son of the late famed harness horse racing driver Stanley Dancer and professionally raced and trained harness horses from 1968 through 1998. He has served on the boards of numerous equine organizations, including the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey, the New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s Sire Stakes, the U.S. Trotting Association, and the New Jersey Racing Commission.

As a lawmaker since 2002, Dancer has worked to ensure the sustainability of the equine industry. His legislation constitutionally dedicated revenues from sports wagering to horse racing purses. Additionally, Dancer was chairman of the USTA’s racing helmet safety research and development committee that established a standard of safety for the manufacture of drivers’ helmets.

Dancer’s award was presented virtually at the center’s annual Evening of Science and Celebration on Thursday, Nov. 11.

by Courtney Stafford, for the SBOANJ