Atlantic City Race Course
Atlantic
City’s 2008 Live Thoroughbred Turf Meet
closed Friday, May 2nd and for
the second year in a row, broke 15-year
attendance records and was the highest
attended track in the country for the week,
with the exception of Churchill Downs as
they celebrate tomorrow's Kentucky Derby.
“It’s
outstanding!” remarked Track President
Maureen Bugdon. “6620 fans packed our
track. That is higher than opening day at
Hollywood Park and higher than any other
track in the country today, proving the
popularity of our turf races and showing the
nation that South Jersey’s racetrack is
still here, still beloved, still breaking
records!”
Bugdon
continued. “Our patrons are the best!
We’ve listened to their feedback and they
acknowledged the modest improvements we made
on the grounds for 2008. We’re planning
more upgrades for 2009 and are considering a
4pm posttime in response to patron
requests. This is a track that horsemen and
fans adore and these numbers absolutely
prove the point!”
Also planned
for 2009 is a bump in purses thanks,
hopefully, to Atlantic City’s inclusion in
the $90 million Purse Supplement Agreement
recently approved by the Senate and
cosponsored by Atlantic County Senator Jim
Whelan. “Our numbers show the demand and
popularity for racing in South Jersey,” said
Bugdon. “As long as Atlantic City Race
Course receives some of the same supplement
being requested by the 3 other tracks in New
Jersey – Monmouth Park, the Meadowlands and
Freehold Raceway – fans can expect an
increase of up to 20 days in race days and
even better turf competitions at our track.”
Track
management referred to over 2000 letters of
support that have been collected on sight
and received by mail for Atlantic City
inclusion in the purse supplement funding.
These letters and phone calls reinforce
the legislative efforts of the District 1
and 2 Legislative teams of Senator Jim
Whelan, Assemblyman Vince Polistina,
Assemblyman John Amodeo (Dist. 1), Senator
Jeff Van Drew, Assemblyman Matt Milam and
Assemblyman John Albano. Hamilton Township
Mayor Charlie Pritchard was on hand for the
day’s festivities and was equally impressed
and supportive, presenting the winning
trophy in the $50,000 Added Tony Gatto Dream
Big Stakes. Pritchard is following up with
a Proclamation by the Township of Hamilton.
Similar proclamations are being presented by
Atlantic County’s Board of Chosen
Freeholders and surrounding communities to
Mays Landing.
For more information, contact Atlantic City
Race Course at (609) 645-5200.
