NJ Authorities Praise Haskell Stakes’ Spectacular Success

New Jersey authorities have reported a record-breaking volume of bets during the Haskell Stakes at Monmouth Park, one of the state’s biggest horseracing events.

According to NJ Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the New Jersey Racing Commission, racing enthusiasts have wagered a whopping $21,748,294 throughout the Saturday event, setting a new record. This figure, they added, exceeded last year’s record by almost 2%.

The record-breaking handle figure reflects the highest attendance in almost a decade. The 38,976 racing aficionados at the Haskell Stakes on Saturday at Monmouth Park were the largest public since 2015’s event.

As for the event itself, the highlight $1 million Grade 1 NYRA Bets Haskell Stakes was won by Dornoch, a horse owned by West Paces Racing, R.A. Hill Stable, Belmar Racing and Breeding, Two Eight Racing and Pine Racing Stables. Dornoch delivered an upset to Mindframe, who was the favorite to win the race.

This spectacular win secured Dornoch a free entry into the upcoming $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic, a racing event set to take place in November at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in California.

Trainer Danny Gargan congratulated the horse on how far he’s come, saying that he no longer wanders around as he used to as a younger horse. Dornoch, according to Gargan, is now a seasoned and well-trained animal. The trainer also praised the horse’s rider, saying that he fits Dornoch perfectly.

The Racing Sector Continues to Evolve

In other racing news, Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI), just confirmed its intention to invest massively in its Churchill Downs Racetrack. CDI released details regarding the planned renovation of its Grandstand Club and Pavilion at the racetrack on Wednesday, saying that it would cost roughly $80-90 million.

Just like the massive $200 million refurbishment of the Churchill Downs racetrack, the new investment will make the track more appealing. Renovations are expected to be ready by next year’s race.

Elsewhere, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) just unveiled its brand new sponsorship Code of Conduct, which outlines principles that racing entities should follow when teaming up with gaming and betting companies. The code includes principles related to reinvestment into the sport, sports integrity, the protection of vulnerable audiences and the promotion of safer gambling.