New Jersey Sports Betting Bill Becomes Law – What does it mean for NJ Racing?

Recently Governor Christie signed a bill that legalizes sports betting at Atlantic City casinos and the four racetracks in New Jersey.  What does this mean for the horse industry in New Jersey?  Not much in the immediate future since there is a Federal Law that needs to be changed in order for this to happen in New Jersey.  As you may know, New Jersey State Senator Raymond Lesniak filed a lawsuit to challenge the 1992 Federal Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, that prohibits wagering on professional and amateur sports as being discriminatory, but was turned down by  the courts.  However, the New Jersey office of the Attorney General is preparing a new lawsuit that appears to be more likely to succeed with the support of the New Jersey Legislature, a law signed by the Governor and a public referendum in favor of this initiative.  On the surface, this would seem to be a stronger position from which to challenge the Federal ban on legalized sports betting which is now legal only in Oregon, Nevada, Delaware and Montana.  Bottom line: In order to make a legal wager on a sporting event in NJ the Federal law will need to be overturned by the courts or repealed by Congress.   This may take a while.

While this bill and the needed legislative work now required to legalize sports betting in New Jersey is one step toward helping NJ horse racing make a comeback from an untenable competitive position with neighboring states, our Governor continues to ignore the most obvious and immediate solution to our industry’s economic challenges.  Gaming at New Jersey racetracks will put New Jersey on an even playing field with New York and Pennsylvania, who continue to draw millions of New Jersey dollars to their racinos on a monthly basis.  Never has this effect been more dramatic than in the opening of a racino at Aqueduct Racetrack, magnified by the enormous market share of the greater New York City population.  We have the ability to draw from this same market by placing video lottery terminals at the Meadowlands.   In a Star Ledger interview conducted just prior to Governor Christie’s State of the State Address earlier this month he remarked "If after five years Atlantic City can’t get its act together," he said, "then I think it’s incumbent upon us to reopen the entire issue of whether gaming should be allowed elsewhere in the state, the Meadowlands or anyplace else." With income to the State of New Jersey from slot machines or video lottery terminals at the Meadowlands estimated at $1 billion to $1.5 billion dollars a year, this decision represents a $5 billion to $7.5 billon flow of cash out of the state of New Jersey in the next 5 years.  Retained within our state, this revenue would enable NJ racetracks to compete with our neighboring states and restore a racehorse breeding program that will support open space.  Additionally, taxed at 8%, this revenue stream would provide a minimum of $400 million dollars for the State of New Jersey.  Now that’s what I call property tax relief!

Read more: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/67045/new-jersey-sports-betting-bill-becomes-law#ixzz1k0VlKRaC

The NJEC On-Line Pharmacy is now open for business:

We realize that many of our clients currently shop online to purchase health care products for their horses.  The introduction of the New Jersey Equine Clinic On-Line Pharmacy represents our effort to enable you to enjoy a convenient and cost-effective method to purchase health care products while working with our veterinarians to provide appropriate therapy that is based upon a medical diagnosis within a valid client-patient-owner relationship.  Our veterinarians and staff will provide information to you about which products are best suited to your horse’s particular situation.  In this way, you will be able to enjoy all the convenience and reduced cost associated with on-line shopping while benefiting from the personal support of the health care professionals who know your horses and their particular needs.

Please take advantage of our vast range of quality horse health products. Ordering is simple, our prices are competitive and these products will be delivered right to your door.  For your convenience, we also offer companion animal health products.  Some of our products require a prescription.  In those cases you will be notified during checkout and one of our veterinarians will contact you to review the order.  You may place an order directly on-line or you may call the office during regular office hours to place an order.  From the NJEC home page, simply click on the On-Line Pharmacy button to directly access this new shopping experience.

We hope that you enjoy this new service of the New Jersey Equine Clinic.  As always, we look forward to working with you in this new capacity as a member of your stable’s health care team.

From Our Barn To Yours! 

"Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy New Year" to all of our clients and friends from the doctors and staff of the New Jersey Equine Clinic.  As we look out over our green pastures this morning with our horses enjoying what may well be the lst of the warm weather for the winter of 2011-2012, we are grateful for the many blessings we have enjoyed in the past year.  While 2011 has been a tough year for every one, we appreciate and are grateful for the wonderful relationships that have sustained us all in these challenging times.  It is really all about the horses and how they touch and enrich our lives on a daily basis.  We look forward to better times ahead and wish you, your family and your horses all the very best in the New Year!

2010 Top Lameness & Surgery Studies

Dr. Scott Palmer discussed practical and groundbreaking research articles in lameness and surgery during the Kester News Hour at the AAEP Annual Convention held December 4-8 in Baltimore MD. For a summary of these articles by Christy West, Digital Editor of The Horse.com, click here: http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=17778

2010 Top Medicine Studies

Dr. Steve Reed, Kester News Hour Medical anchor reviewed the top medicine articles published in 2010.  For Christy West's summary of the 2010 medicine studies, click here: http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=17777

The Kester News Hour is a popular segment of the American Association of Equine Practitioners Annual Convention.  The "Kester News Team" includes 3 news anchors representing medical, surgical and reproductive perspectives.  This session presents the latest news in research, innovations and issues facing the veterinary profession and the horse industry in an entertaining envening news television format.  For 2010 Dr. Margo Macpherson reported on the top reproduction studies, Dr. Steve Reed discussed the top medical studies and Dr. Scott Palmer reviewed the top lameness and surgical studies.

Putting the Safety and Welfare of the Horse First

On February 8, 2011 Dr. Palmer joined Ms. Diana Pikulski, Executive Director, External Affairs of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation and Mr. Terry Finley, Founder and President of West Point Thoroughbreds and board member of the Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders Association as featured speakers in a program titled “Horseracing: Putting the Safety and Welfare of the Horse First” held at the Great Hall of the New York City Bar Association.  This program was sponsored by the Committee on Legal Issues Pertaining to Animals.  Topics addressed during this program included:

• Changes proposed by veterinarians to promote horse health and decrease injury
• Racehorse registries and use of registry fees
• The impact of the economy on racing in America
• Federal and State legislation to prohibit horse slaughter
• Providing for and funding humane retirement of racehorses
• Challenges of the owner-trainer-veterinary relationship

The program was moderated by Frances Carlisle, Esq. and John Douw, Esq., members of the Committee on Legal Issues Pertaining to animals of the New York City Bar Association.  When asked what can be done to minimize injuries at the racetrack, Dr. Palmer suggested “The strategy is to identify risk factors that contribute to injury; then institute systems and procedures designed to minimize or eliminate those risk factors whenever possible.  The underlying goal of our efforts is to develop and promote a culture of accountability for safety and welfare of the horse.” 

Champions of Racehorse Welfare Receive AAEP President’s Award

Dr. Scott E. Palmer and Dr. Foster Northrop were selected as the recipients of the American Association of Equine Practitioners’ 2010 President’s Award for their leadership in developing guidelines to promote the safety of racehorses.  

The President’s Award, which was established by past AAEP President Dr. Eleanor Green in 2008, recognizes AAEP members who, in the president’s eyes, have championed important initiatives of the association during the past year.  Dr. Nathaniel A. White, 2010 AAEP president, presented Dr. Palmer and Dr. Northrop with the surprise award during the Dec. 7 President’s Luncheon at the 56^th Annual Convention in Baltimore, Md.  Dr. Palmer and Dr. Northrop serve as the chair and vice chair of the AAEP Racing Committee. Since the Committee was re-instituted in 2008, Drs. Palmer and Northrop have devoted countless hours ensuring that equine veterinarians are active participants in the ongoing reform of horse racing. Through their leadership, the committee has developed three white papers and the just-released clinical guidelines for veterinarians who practice in a pari-mutuel environment.  In the past year, they have attended numerous racing industry meetings throughout the United States and have earned tremendous respect for their efforts to protect the safety of the racehorse.

Dr. Palmer Advocates for NJ Racing at the Third NJ Gaming Summit

Democratic Legislators met at Monmouth Park on September 29 in the third "gaming summit" to address the report of the Governor's Advisory Commission on Gaming Sports and Entertainment which recommended ending subsidies of horse racing and selling the state's racetracks.  Dr. Palmer testified during the summit and advocated a unified comprehensive approach to New Jersey racing and gaming. Dr. Palmer Advocates for a Unified & Comprehensive Approach to NJ Racing & Gaming

Making Ethical Decisions for the Welfare of the Racehorse

The unique and highly competitive environment of the racetrack presents ethical challenges for veterinarians.  Dr. Palmer, Chairman of the AAEP Racing Committee, addressed this issue in the September 2010 issue of Equine Veterinary Education.  Click here to read the full text article.

Thanks for the Memories, Billy!

Billy Nebel Retires after 34 Years!

Monmouth Elite Meet Exceeds All Expectations

Monmouth Elite Meet Sets New Records in Attendence & Wagering 

Dr. Palmer Named to Thoroughbred Charities of America Board of Directors

Dr. Palmer named to TCA Board of Directors

Dynamic Respiratory Endoscopy Now Available at the New Jersey Equine Clinic!

Read about Dynamic Respiratory Endoscopy

Equine Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Now Available at the New Jersey Equine Clinic!

Read about the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Chamber.

Past Events:

• New Jersey Equine Clinic and Rick's Saddle Shop hosted Forging Ahead 4: 4th Annual Clinic for Farriers, Veterinarians, and Horse Owners on Saturday April 9, 2011.  Dr. Stephen O'Grady of Northern Virginia Equine in Marshall, VA was our guest speaker.  The morning program consisted of lectures while a live demonstration was performed in the afternoon.  Click here for a link to pictures from the event on our Facebook page.   

• Dr. Jennifer Smith spoke at the Delaware Veterinary Medical Association's annual fall meeting in Dover, DE on Equine Dynamic Respiratory Endoscopic Examination and Current Treatments for Tendon and Ligament Injuries on November 17, 2010. 
• On Saturday, April 10, 2010, NJEC hosted Forging Ahead 3: 3rd Annual Clinic for Farriers, Veterinarians, and Horse Owners.  Our guest speaker was Doug Butler, PhD, CJF, FWCF.  Morning lecture topics included building effective farrier/veterinary teams, practical hoof anatomy, principles of sound trimming and shoeing, and shoeing for laminitis and foot problems.  A live demonstration was performed in the afternoon session.   
• Dr. Jennifer Smith spoke at the Equine Management Seminar at Rutgers, the State University Cook Campus Center in New Brunswick, NJ on Keeping your Horse Sound: Rehabilitation from Injury, on February 7, 2010.  More information can be found at http://www.esc.rutgers.edu/news_more/press_release/release_09_12_03_hms_10.htm 
• Dr. Scott Palmer was a featured speaker at the Fifty-Seventh Annual Jockey Club Round Table Conference on Matters Pertaining to Racing held in Saratoga, Springs, NY held on August 23. 2009. Read complete speech
• Dr. Jennifer Smith spoke at the 109th Penn Annual Conference Surgical Strategies: Find It and Fix It held on March 12 and March 13, 2009. Further information can be found at www.vet.upenn.edu
• Dr. Scott Palmer was featured as a Keynote Speaker at "Horses 2009, Knowledge is Horse Power," a two-day continuing education program sponsored by Rutgers University Equine Science Center in New Brunswick, NJ on March 28, 2009. Dr. Palmer spoke on "Responsible Horse Ownership - When the Dream Becomes a Reality." Dr. Palmer is recognized nationally as an advocate for thoughtful, responsible horse care and ownership. He presided over the first Unwanted Horse Summit in Washington, DC in April 2005 and continues his involvement through educational programs, national committee efforts and support of local equine retirement programs. For further information and program details, go to www.esc.rutgers.edu/Horses2009

Relevant News Articles:

• Dynamic videoendoscopy: a new method for diagnosing equine upper airway disease.
• On Call Program of AAEP to Receive Special Eclipse Award. For the complete press release, click here
  January 2009
• Power of healing harnessed: New Jersey horse hospital is at the forefront as equine care gallops into the future. BY BRENT JOHNSON, Star-Ledger Staff. Saturday, August 05, 2006.