A proposed plan to close one of two state-owned racetracks in New Jersey would end harness racing in that state and could put Standardbred racehorses at risk, according to Tom Luchento, president of the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey.

In July Gov. Chris Christie commissioned a study of the economic performance of Meadowlands Racetrack and Monmouth Park. Both venues are owned and operated by the state of New Jersey. According to the Hanson Commission report, released this week, Meadowlands Racetrack, the state's principal harness racing venue, is expected to lose $11 million in revenue in 2010. Losses at Monmouth Park are expected to total $6.6 million. As a result, the report recommended closing Meadowlands Racetrack, on grounds that the state could no longer afford to subsidize two money-losing horse racing venues. Under the plan the Meadowlands property would be sold to private interests. Standardbred meets would be incorporated into the racing schedule at Monmouth.

Luchento said that, if implemented, the Meadowlands closing would devastate the state's harness racing industry by eliminating track-related jobs and reducing economic opportunities for veterinarians, farriers, and feed suppliers.

"And I would think a lot of these horses would enter the (equine) welfare system," Luchento said