Assemblyman Ron Dancer said this weekend’s $1.2-million Hambletonian is on track to be one of the most exciting events in harness racing as the revitalized industry at the Meadowlands will be showcased in a 90-minute live national broadcast on CBS Sports Network, beginning at 3:30 p.m. this Saturday afternoon.

“The Meadowlands Racetrack will simulcast live the Hambletonian race to a world-wide audience and is certain to provide our residents and visitors with a memorable day of thrilling races and fun for the whole family,” said Dancer, R-Ocean, Burlington, Middlesex and Monmouth. “I invite fans old and new, from far and near, to attend this year’s event and see for themselves all we have to offer at one of the country’s premier racing venues. This is a very exciting time for horse racing in New Jersey.”

The 88th edition of the Hambletonian, the first event in the U.S. Trotting Triple Crown, returns to its roots on Saturday, August 3, as the elimination heats and final will be contested on the same day. In addition to the races, the day-long event features a concert, rides and games.

Dancer noted that the Hambletonian, harness racing’s most coveted prize, is part of the overall success story of the revitalized Meadowlands. On August 5, 2011, Gov. Christie signed legislation, A-3710, sponsored by Dancer, that authorized the NJ Sports and Exposition Authority to transition into a lease agreement with private investors led by Jeff Gural to operate the Meadowlands Racetrack and save the state's $1-billion horse racing industry.

“Just two short years ago, New Jersey’s horse racing industry was facing dire times,” stated Dancer. “Our bipartisan legislation has helped to revive the sport and continue the presence of a horse racing venue in the Garden State that attracts the world's greatest racehorses. There is also bipartisan legislation pending to bring slot machine gaming to the Meadowlands Racetrack that is needed for its long-term financial sustainability to remain a vital part of our state’s heritage and economy.”

The 2011 legislative measure has paid high dividends as its handle from the winter meet 2012 to the winter meet 2013 has increased 32.5 per cent. In the month of May 2013 alone, the total handle increased 49.6 per cent. According to the United States Trotting Association, the Meadowlands Racetrack is responsible for nearly 25 per cent of all standardbred racing wagers in the U.S. and continues to drive the sport of harness racing.

Dancer added that a new racing grandstand is scheduled to open in November, providing New Jersey with the most modern racing facility in the country. It will feature a state-of-the-art sports bar, food court, terraced dining room, simulcast facilities, VIP suites, event space and a 9,000 square foot roof top deck that provides a spectacular view of the New York City skyline.

(New Jersey Assembly Republicans)