The Meadowlands has long been one of the harness racing industry leaders when it comes to wagering, and action has been at a fever pitch of late at New Jersey oval with each of the last three race cards seeing over $3 million pushed through the windows.
In addition, none of the first 12 programs of the year saw betting break the $3-million barrier, but beginning with the final card of February, six of the last 11 programs have seen wagering surpass that magic number. All year long, however, betting has been remarkably consistent, with 21 of 23 programs seeing handle exceed the $2.5 million mark.
So, betting figures to be vigorous once again when racing takes place this Friday (April 8) and Saturday (April 9) with a post time of 6:20 p.m.
But for The Meadowlands’ faithful fans, harness racing is merely a portion of what they can play during the upcoming weekend.
Thoroughbred racing fans can watch the final three major Kentucky Derby prep races in The Big M’s expansive simulcast area on Saturday when the Wood Memorial, Blue Grass and Santa Anita Derby will all be offering 100 Derby points to winners, good, presumably, for a spot in the starting gate at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May. The Wood, which has a purse of $750,000, takes place at Aqueduct and has a post time of 4:45 p.m. The Blue Grass from Keeneland goes to the gate at 5:10 p.m. with $1 million at stake while The Santa Anita Derby from Santa Anita, which goes for $750,000, will go off at 5:30 p.m.
Of course, the 148th renewal of the Kentucky Derby will be a simulcast showstopper at The Big M on Saturday, May 7.
“This should be another exciting weekend of action for sports fans at The Meadowlands,” said Jason Settlemoir, Chief Operating Officer and General Manager at The Meadowlands. “Fans can wager on the start of the baseball season, three of the top prep races for the Kentucky Derby, The Masters at Augusta, and, of course, our live harness programs on Friday and Saturday nights. Last Saturday’s (April 2) program, which was run against the two NCAA Men’s Final Four games, did over $3.2 million and averaged $249,502 per race. As always, we want to thank our horsemen and loyal fans all over the world.”
Charity Handicapping Contest Coming To Meadowlands
The Meadowlands is seeking local New Jersey charities interested in having a night at the races for a good cause in the track’s annual Charity Handicapping Contest, scheduled for Saturday, May 14.
The Charity Handicapping Contest is a free handicapping contest open to 501C3 organizations. The Contest offers a $15,000 total donation/prize pool, with all 10 charities receiving a donation. Prizes will be awarded as follows: 1st Place: $5,000, 2nd Place: $3,000, 3rd Place: $2,000, 4th Place: $1,500, 5th Place: $1,000, 6th-10th: $500
For the Charity Handicapping Contest, organizations will select one horse in each of the 10 designated Meadowlands live races. The organizations will amass a mythical bankroll if their selection officially finishes first, second or third in the designated race. Official $2 WPS (Win, Place, Show) payoffs will be added to the mythical bankroll. Official race results will serve as the order of finish. The organization that accumulates the highest mythical bankroll is the winner.
“This has become one of our favourite events to host at the track,” said Settlemoir. “It not only feels great to give back to our community, it also is wonderful to see all the charities with their friends and family enjoy a night at the racetrack.”
The inaugural winner of the 2019 Charity Contest was Act Now and Horse Rescue United won in 2021. The contest was suspended in 2020 due to COVID-19.
Participating organizations will also have the opportunity to make winner’s circle presentations and be featured on the track’s jumbotron.
Interested not-for-profit organizations must apply to participate by emailing Rachel Ryan at [email protected] by Monday, May 2. The email must include:
1. Charity/Non-Profit Name
2. 501C3 letter
3. Charity/Non-Profit Mission
4. Website URL & Social Links
5. Charity Representative/s that will be onsite for the contest on May 14
If more than 10 organizations apply, 10 will be selected via a random drawing. Selected organizations will be notified by Friday, May 6.
(With files from Meadowlands)