NJ harness racing enters a new era of growth and opportunity

MANALAPAN, NJ — November 1, 2025 — New Jersey’s harness racing industry is experiencing a resurgence, driven by new racing programs, significant financial incentives, and a steadfast commitment to maintaining the Garden State’s position as a premier destination for Standardbred racing. Recent initiatives by the New Jersey Sire Stakes Board of Trustees and the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey highlight unique opportunities for breeders and owners, especially those invested in pacing sires.

Key opportunities and developments fueling this growth include:

Introduction of the Platinum/Silver Series: The new Platinum/Silver Series, launched by the NJSS Board of Trustees, provides expanded opportunities for New Jersey-sired horses to race at the Meadowlands Racetrack.

Substantial Purse Enhancements: Governor Phil Murphy recently signed legislation extending a $20 million annual purse enhancement through 2029. Resulting in Breeder awards that paid $4.1 million and Sired awards that paid $3.6 million to date.

SBOANJ 2025 – 2026 Incentive Programs: Breeders Awards, New Jersey Sired Owner Awards and Resident Mare Rebates.

New Jersey’s pacing race calendar rivals its neighbors with a robust lineup that includes the New Jersey Sire Stakes (NJSS), Kindergarten Series, Homegrown Pace, Renaissance Stakes, NJ Classic, New Jersey Standardbred Development Fund (NJSDF), Governors Cup, Three Diamonds, and The Meadowlands Pace. These events provide consistent, high-quality racing on a mile track from April through November, right at the Meadowlands, New Jersey’s home of harness racing.

Champions are made on the racetrack but many of them are born, raised and developed at farms right here in New Jersey.  With all these positive draws to the New Jersey racing program two new prominent race horses will stand stud in 2025 Captain Optimistic and Karl.

The collaborative efforts of the Meadowlands Racetrack, the SBOANJ, NJ Sire Stakes, and state officials demonstrate a strong commitment to the future of harness racing in New Jersey.

from the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey