Freehold Raceway to Qualify Friday

Posted 4256 days

Previous SBOA Comments on Racetrack Retracted

Freehold, NJ—-One day after a lawyer for the SBOA-NJ made allegations that the track surface at Freehold Raceway was “unsafe and dangerous for both the horses and drivers,” the organization’s president issued a retraction of that statement.

In a letter dated August 23, 2012, SBOA-NJ president Tome Luchento stated “in Dennis Dowd, Esq.‘s letter to you (Howard Bruno) dated August 21, 2012, he states at the end of the second paragraph that the track, in its present condition, remains unsafe and dangerous for both horses and drivers.  The SBOA retracts that statement as we conducted on inspection of the track prior to issuing that letter.”

Earlier in the day Freehold track officials including Bruno, track superintendent Mike Fagliarone and starter Bobby Blum toured the track surface with several regular drivers including Eric Abbatiello, Jim Marshall and Steve Smith. The drivers indicated the track was not unsafe and reported their findings to Richard O’Donnell, New Jersey Racing Commission State Steward.

“We firmly believed there were no issues with the track at this current time and we are glad that these drivers took the time to come out and see the track in person and verify our conclusions,” said Bruno.

Freehold plans to conduct qualifier races on Friday, August 24 at 9:30 a.m. with the same card carried over from Thursday.