The Meadowlands has announced a change in post time to 6 p.m. for the Meadowlands Pace card on Saturday, July 17.

The "Greatest Night in Harness Racing" is getting an early start to accommodate a two-hour, nationally televised live broadcast as part of the popular America's Day At The Races on Fox Sports 2 from 8 to 10 p.m. Featured on the show will be the "Fox Sports Pick 4" on the televised races.

Pace night boasts nearly $3 million in purses and historically attracts the finest in Grand Circuit competition. The live broadcast will include four marquee races, projected to be the $450,000 Hambletonian Maturity, $450,000 W.R. Haughton Memorial FFA Pace and $175,000 Dorothy Haughton Memorial FFA Mare Pace in support of the $700,000 Meadowlands Pace.

The Meadowlands Pace has been considered a "must-win" stake in the three-year-old pacing colt division since its inaugural edition in 1977, a priceless jewel in the crown of a colt destined for eventual stud duty.

"There is no night in harness racing quite like Pace Night," said Meadowlands general manager Jason Settlemoir. "Raced in the dead of summer at 'The Mecca' with the very best horses competing on the card, it creates real excitement. We're really pleased to be able to present our highest handling night product on this platform, made possible by a promising and exciting association with NYRA."

"I'm thrilled to be able to say that we'll be back to capacity fan-wise this year. The Meadowlands will be flattered to count New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy among the crowd. I'll quote the Governor's slogan on rolling back COVID restrictions here: 'C'mon New Jersey, we're not going back, let's go!'"

All COVID-19 restrictions, save the mask requirement for those that are not vaccinated, have been removed in New Jersey. Stay informed on updates on attending and dining reservations on The Meadowlands website.

(Meadowlands)