In a New York Daily News article printed this past weekend, top driver Brian Sears offered some extremely candid quotes in regard to the way he feels the Meadowlands Racetrack is being run, half mile tracks and more
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"They've been running the place so badly. They're acting like they're not trying to generate any new followers in harness racing," Sears was quoted as saying. "They're just kind of running [the Meadowlands] into the ground, kind of like a slumlord."
Regarding the future of the Big M, Sears said: "If things don't change, next year will be the last year of harness racing at the Meadowlands, as far as I'm concerned."
While the Meadowlands is dark, one of the tracks Sears will be driving at is Yonkers Raceway. Sears conveyed that he isn't entirely happy about plying his trade over Yonkers' half-mile course. "I think the half-mile track is basically obsolete. I'd much rather race on a mile track," he said. "It takes more technique and talent, I think, to race on a mile track."
The push to get slot machines installed and operating at the Meadowlands Racetrack has been a hotly-contested item. Many say that the 'Mecca of Harness Racing' will not survive without them. Sears has stated that he doesn't think that slots are coming to the track any time soon.
"If [governor John Corzine] gets elected again, I think for sure slots are not going to happen," Sears was quoted as saying. "If Chris Christie gets elected, he probably won't want to make such a bold move until after his second term. Well, that's going to be too late for us."
Click here to the read the New York Daily News article in its entirety.
(With files from the New York Daily News)
I have a lot of respect for
I have a lot of respect for Brian Sears driving talents. He has made the comment about half mile tracks being obsolete. Have you ever watched the boring style of racing on the 7/8 and mile tracks? It amounts to nothing more than a drag race. I for one would rather wager on the half milers any day. Maybe Brian should do some research into where most of the drivers cut their teeth.------------Racing Fan------------
I agree with Brian Sears.
I agree with Brian Sears. The comment about the half-mile track being obsolete strikes a chord with me.
Very interesting read and so
Very interesting read and so refreshing to hear someone speak from the heart. I was at the Meadowlands in 1976 when it opened and it was with-out question the Vatican of Harness Racing. I agree with Sears that the 1/2 mile track is obsolete and I would add dangerous compared to the 5/8 7/8 or mile facilities. I have read where the Meadowlands was responsible for 87% of the gambling revenue in New Jersey as late at 1989 and today it accounts for only 1% of gambling revenue. Doesn't take an accountant to figure that out. It would be sad indeed if the Big "M" was to go dark. Sad indeed and bad for all of Harness racing. The sport needs flagship operations like Woodbine and the Big "M". Let's hope the powers that be figure this out and quickly.