Fans of Brett Beckwith have missed watching – and betting – on the 23-year-old pilot for the last month or so, as the defending Meadowlands leading driver from 2025 has been on the mend since going down in a spill at Saratoga Raceway last month.
Beckwith’s followers won’t be able to place a wager on their favourite driver, but they will be able to see another side of the 2024 Dan Patch Rising Star Award winner when he joins The Big M’s TV team on Friday, May 22.
During the course of the evening, Beckwith will be interviewed by regular host Dave Little, and will be seen on the Sam McKee Broadcast Set sporadically throughout the night with both Little and racing analyst John Rallis providing the unique insights only a driver can, as well as providing selections on selected races and giving out tickets for both 50-cent Pick-4s.
“Doing the show, it's more of just something that would be a fun hobby or something. It's something different,” said Beckwith. “I think it's good for the fans and the sport to see different opinions.”
What about a future in TV?
“I don't ever see myself retiring [from driving],” said Beckwith. “But let’s say, if I did, I wouldn't be against it. You know, like how [Hall of Fame driver] Randy Waples does at Mohawk. That probably still gives him that thrill of being surrounded by horses and horsepeople, but without actually driving.”
The winner of more than 1,200 races during 2024-25 is predictably champing at the bit to get back in the bike.
“I got hurt 5-1/2 weeks ago,” said Beckwith. “I had a broken jaw, a broken wrist and some head trauma. I actually just had my final brain scan and I got an all clear on that. And now it’s physical therapy on my wrist. I have to have it where I can get locked in a hole and have the confidence that I can hold a horse.”
“All of us at The Meadowlands look forward to having Brett do the show on Friday,” said Jason Settlemoir, Big M Chief Operating Officer and General Manager. “Brett and I have spoken in the past about him appearing on the broadcast, and with him currently on the sidelines, it’s the perfect time for him to show us what he can do. Our show provides viewers with opinions from handicappers, announcers, trainers and other people from the racing industry. To add a driver to that list is something we are happy to do for our viewers.”
Beckwith is hoping to return to action sometime in June. Until then, his fans will have to settle for Brett the Broadcaster instead of Brett the Driver.
The Meadowlands pre-game show begins at 6 p.m., with post time at 6:35 p.m.
(Meadowlands Racetrack)