NJ harness racing supporters rally to save sport

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) - Harness racing in New Jersey isn't going to die without a fight.

That's the message the head of the state's harness racing industry told about 150 supporters of the sport who attended an informational meeting at the Meadowlands Racetrack on Thursday night.

The gathering came less than a week after Gov. Chris Christie backed a task force report to revitalize Atlantic City and its casinos while pulling the plug on state support of horse racing.

Tom Luchento told harness trainers, drivers and horsemen at the racetrack that while the Hanson Report was difficult to swallow and offered racing unacceptable options, that the racing was not going to go quietly into the night.

The head of the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey called for members to unite and attend a meeting of the New Jersey Gaming Summit in Atlantic City next week.