"They're not suing me, they're suing the union so there's a restraining order that prevents the union itself from signing a contract with us...We've offered all the tellers a job and the vast majority of them have agreed to come to work."

On today's episode of Trot Radio, Meadowlands Racetrack lessee Jeff Gural reports that all systems are go for the December 5 operational turnover of the harness racing facility. Noting that there's "still a lot of work to do, paperwork mainly", Gural will finally take control of the track in just over two weeks time. The New Jersey Racing Commission has approved an 81-date meet for 2012, starting Friday, January 6 with two or three cards per week through mid-August.

Despite resistance to putting slots or a casino at the Meadowlands, Gural still thinks it will happen...eventually.

"I think that New York will ultimately get table games in 2014, and I think that will put the spotlight on New Jersey. At that point I don't think Atlantic City will be able to argue that having a casino at the Meadowlands would hurt them. It would hurt New York and Pennsylvania tracks but it wouldn't hurt Atlantic City any longer because most of the northern New Jersey people would be going to New York and Pennsylvania and not to Atlantic City."

Gural and Borg also discuss the status of Gural's drive to keep harness racing's stars on the track. What's his take on the recent retirement announcements? How does Zenyatta prove his point? Listen to the full interview with Gural and Borg by clicking the play button below.

Episode 238 – Jeff Gural

Audio Format: MP3 audio

Host: Norm Borg

Please note that the opinions expressed in the featured interview are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect Rideau Carleton Raceway and/or Standardbred Canada.