This year’s Meadowlands Battle of the Masterminds, which ran from June 2 to Aug. 4, was entertaining with friendly smack talk and big nightly payouts.
TV host Dave Little prevailed in the 19-day battle of Meadowlands' expert handicappers with an $11,643 bankroll raising $1,000 for his selected charity, the Standardbred Retirement Foundation.
Meadowlands announcer Ken Warkentin finished in second place with $9,225 and raised $500 for his selected charity the Harness Horse Youth Foundation.
Gabe Prewitt, Meadowlands TV host ran third with $8,296.40 raising $250 for the CBH Care.
Marketing coordinator and TV talent Jessica Otten grabbed fourth place with $8,121.50 earning $250 for New Vocations.
Edison Hatter’s charity, Purple Haze Standardbred Adoption Program, will receive $250.
The Battle also gave 19 lucky patrons a chance to win a $10,000 grand prize via a reverse drawing. Heather Jones of Lodi, New Jersey was the grand prize winner selected on Hambletonian Day for the second year in a row.
“I cannot believe I won again,” Jones stated after hearing her name called. “Things like this never happen! To win this contest two years in a row is unbelievable and I am so grateful.”
The Meadowlands thanks everyone for following the Battle of the Masterminds on social media and on the nightly broadcast. The Battle will return in 2024 for the Championship Meet.
(With files from Meadowlands Racetrack)