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: ; : Poll Shows Jersey Citizens Pro-Racing Sixty-Two Per Cent Favor Sport, 25 Per Cent Oppose With 1 3 Per Cent Undecided PRINCETON, N. J., May 18 The increase in attendance at the current meeting at Garden State Park, the first of the 1951 season in this state, was not unexpected, in view of a recent poll conducted by an independent agency. This poll was state - wide in scope, and represented a cross section of New Jersey citizenry in 45 different communities in 18 of the 21 counties comprising the commonwealth. In the sweeping survey, New Jersey poll staff reporters put the following questions up to the voters: "If you could have your way, would you stop horse racing in New Jersey, or would you allow it to continue the way it is now?" The response was indisputably favorable to the thoroughbred sport. A substantial majority voiced their approval both of racing and the manner in which it is being conducted at Garden State Park, Mon- mouth Park and Atlantic City, the three established tracks in the state, under the jurisdiction of the four-man commission comprised of chairman Hugh L. McHorter, Thomas J. Brogan, William V. Griffin and Hugh J. "Strong. The canvass resulted as follows: Favoring racing. ...... 62 per cent Opposing racing 25 per cent Undecided 13 per cent Analysis of the, views of the various population groups brought to light some interesting findings. Favored by Every Community Without exception, the majority in every community measured favored raping. The groups represented a true cross-section of residents in cities of all sizes, including men and women of all ages, occupations, educational levels and members of both major political parties. Despite the majority sentiment, there were differences of opinion among the various groups. Three out of every four men, 75 per cent favor horse racing, whereas 65 per cent of the women shared this opinion. Younger voters, those in the 21-29 and 30r44 age brackets were more inclined toward the sport than older adults, those of 45 years and upward. About 66 per cent of the younger element gave .racing the nod as against 57 per cent of the older citizens. People of high school or college educations were more favorable than those of less formal education. About 66 percent of those with high school or college training would permit the continuation of racing, whereas 55 per cent of those with less schooling so voted. Politically, it was found that sentiment among Democrats and independent voters .throughout the state was stronger than among Republicans. About 66 per cent in the former category said they would continue racing. Only 55 per cent of the Republicans agreed with them. Another interesting finding was that the larger the community, the more popular the sport. Only 55 per cent of those living in rural areas expressed satisfaction with racing, while 68 per cent of those residing in New Jerseys largest cities, Newark, Trenton, Camden, -Elizabeth, Paterson and Jersey City were pro-racing. Noteworthy also were the findings among manual and "white collar" workers. Slightly better than 60 per cent in each classification approved racing as it is "ow being conducted in New Jersey.
