By TOM CANAVAN
AP Sports Writer
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.