The Meadowlands Racetrack posted a May to remember and certainly got the Championship Meet off on the right foot.
The East Rutherford, New Jersey raceway has announced that for the month of May, the raceway saw a total handle increase of 49.6 per cent. That figure included a 57-percent increase in the export wagering and an 8-percent increase in on-track wagering when compared to 2012.
“This season has been nothing short of extraordinary,” said Jason Settlemoir, the general manager and CEO of New Meadowlands Racetrack LLC. “The gains we showed in the winter were fantastic, but keeping that momentum throughout the month of May, which historically is not one of our strongest months, is a very encouraging sign.”
As good as May was for the Meadowlands, the first day of June was even better. A packed house was on hand for 'Jersey-Fest 2013,' an event which offers live music, great food, discounted drinks and fun for everyone. The track's Saturday, June 1 live program showed a 15 per cent increase in live handle and 50 per cent increases in both export wagering and attendance.
“Jersey-Fest showed that event marketing works,” said Settlemoir. “While we offer the best harness racing product in the world, we understand that our racetrack needs to do more than that. We need to make it a great experience for everyone. To see over 6,000 people packed into paddock park enjoying their evening with us was an inspiring sight. It has enhanced my belief that we are headed in the right direction, and as we continue to come up with great events for our fans, I feel that that the best is yet to come as we get closer to moving into our brand new facility.”
For the year, the Meadowlands overall handle has shown an increase of 31 per cent, and that number appears to be getting stronger as the year moves forward. While the Meadowlands has always shown strength in numbers in its winter months, the gains being shown in the summer months are particularly encouraging.
(With files from the Meadowlands)
Funny how the only major
Funny how the only major harness track that doesn't get slot sharing revenue has increased handle by over 30 percent!
It just goes to show that as
It just goes to show that as long as you put out good competitive racing, keyword competitive, then the true horseplayers will come back because we will be getting a bang for our buck. I have been watching and wagering on the Meadowlands for the last 10 years or longer and can say that there is no harness racing out there better then what the Big M puts out. The drivers are fiercely competitive and want to win and the action is great. The flow and number of lead changes in every race make it the most exciting racing around bar none. I hope they continue to have great success and continue to put out a great product.