BREEDERS' CUP Having Ripple Effect On MONMOUTH PARK

(From The Associated Press)

The NJSEA plans to spend $11-17 million dollars over the next three years to refurbish MONMOUTH PARK (Long Branch, New Jersey) for the 2007 BREEDERS' CUP, according to THE ASSOCIATED PRESS' TOM CANAVAN.

NJSEA Senior VP/Racing DENNIS DOWD said that $3-4 million "has already been allocated to build a new turf course" there when the summer meet ends September 25th. Dowd also plans to spend another $2 million this year to "knock down and start reconstruction of the track's patio terrace building, and to upgrade electric systems." Dowd added that the amount of money to be spent is more than the NJSEA "had hoped, but added that the track should have received more upgrades in recent years."

Dowd -- "On balance, we are going to find the money is going to be well spent. What we are going to have to do in the future is do continuing capital budget and maintenance so we don't find ourselves in this position again."

MONMOUTH PARK will hand out a track record purse of $325,000 per day during the summer meet.

Dowd -- "The increased purse money this year will help us attract stronger fields for our races, which in turn should lead to increased wagering. It's hard not to be optimistic about this meeting and beyond."