As Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment prepares for its grand opening, a look back on the final season raced in the original grandstand reveals inspiring results.
The Meadowlands raced 72 days from December 27, 2012 through Hambletonian Day, August 3, 2013 and the Meadowlands can proudly announce that total handle for the 72 days surpassed $204 million. The average handle per night was $2,843,203.
“After receiving the final numbers, seeing our handle exceeded $200 million is something all of harness racing can be proud of,” said the track’s director of Racing Operations, Darin Zoccali. “This past season was a transition year for us and to have had the type of success we had is extremely promising. On the heels of one of best racing seasons at the Meadowlands in years, we are obviously all extremely excited to see what 2014 and the new Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment will bring.”
Compared to 2012, the total handle, despite racing six less days, yielded an increase of over $44 million, or 28 per cent. The average daily handle of $2,843,203 was an increase of more than $700,000 over the average daily handle in 2012, or 33 per cent.
“We did a lot of things differently this past year,” said the track’s general manager, Jason Settlemoir. “We got rid of the notion that change cannot be positive because the way things have always been done takes precedent. From changes to our wagering format, to pursuing bigger bettors, making an integrity-driven product our top priority, dramatically increasing event marketing and providing outstanding customer service, this past season has provided a template for our future success. Now, adding all of that to a brand new, state of the art facility, we cannot wait to see what 2014 will bring.”
Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment has its grand opening on Saturday, November 23, with first-race post time at 7:15 p.m. The opening night program features eliminations for the Fall Final Four and the final preliminary legs of the TVG Free For All Championships.
Thanksgiving weekend features cards on both Friday, November 29 and Saturday, November 30. The November 30 card will be one of the best of the year for the sport of harness racing with finals of the Nadia Lobell, Moni Maker, Fall Final Four and TVG Free For All Championships. Purses for the evening will surpass $3 million. In addition, Horse of the Year will be on the line as Bee A Magician looks to put a bow on an undefeated season, while Captaintreacherous hopes to defeat the best Free For All pacers in the world.
(Meadowlands)