Officials with the Meadowlands Racetrack have released a notice to horsepeople that provides details regarding stakes nomination payments that are due on February 17.

The 2016 Grand Circuit stakes season at the Meadowlands will offer over $14 million in purses, including both the $1.7 million Hambletonian and Hambletonian Oaks and $5.7 million Breeders Crown.

A few new events have been added to the list of lucrative Meadowlands-administered stakes, led by the inaugural $150,000 (est.) ‘Elitlopp Playoff’ for older trotters, scheduled for the lone Sunday live race card on Mother’s Day (May 8). The Elitlopp Playoff is a joint venture between the Meadowlands and the Elitlopp directors, and is unique in that the race winner will be invited to compete in the Elitlopp, the great trotting classic in Solvalla, Sweden, which will take place on Sunday, May 29. The use of trotting hopples and lasix are prohibited for the Elitlopp Playoff.

Another new development is that the popular Kindergarten Classic Series will have races for the two-year-old pacers, as well as trotters in 2016. There are five $10,000 (guaranteed) legs scheduled from late July through late October, with the $150,000 (est.) finals and $50,000 (est.) consolations to be raced on November 5.

The Graduate Series for four-year-old pacers and trotters will return with three $75,000 ($50,000 div.) legs beginning on May 21 at the Meadowlands. Mohawk Racetrack will host leg two on Saturday, June 4 and the third leg is at Tioga Downs on June 12. The $250,000 (guaranteed) finals will be raced at the Meadowlands on Saturday, July 9 as part of the Meadowlands Pace elimination card.

The Meadowlands Pace is estimated at $750,000 this year and will head a stellar card that will include the $450,000 Hambletonian Maturity trot on July 16. Also returning is the $1 million TVG FFA Championships for all divisions of the older horses on November 12. Due to the Presidents Day holiday, nominations postmarked by February 17 will be accepted.

A few important notes are that the Kindergarten and Miss Versatility payments will be taken by the Meadowlands this year, and the condition that limited trainers to a maximum of two entries in stakes finals has been repealed for the 2016 races.

All pertinent information may be found on the Stakes Application page of the Meadowlands’ website.

Any questions should be directed to the Meadowlands’ race office at 877-782-2537.

Stakes payments to these stakes can also be made through SC Stakes Online. Click here for more info on how to get started.

(With files from the Meadowlands Racetrack)