The Meadowlands, in concert with the New York Racing Association (NYRA) has announced that, again in 2023, many of the biggest stakes events on the Meadowlands calendar will be made available to a national television audience as the NYRA’s TV department will team up with The Big M’s for at least eight live telecasts on FOX Sports networks as a part of the popular "America's Day at the Races" series.
Highlights of the 2023 schedule (still tentative) will be coverage of the entire Hambletonian Day card that will include "Harness Racing's Greatest Day of Stakes" beginning at 1 p.m. and the three biggest nighttime cards of the "Championship Meet" on July 1, 8 and 15, which includes the Meadowlands Pace eliminations and final.
Hambletonian Day 2022 enjoyed extensive coverage, led by the "America's Day at the Races" broadcast on the networks of FOX Sports. The increased exposure contributed to a remarkable 18 per cent year over year increase in domestic handle on the day.
Meadowlands GM and Chief Operating Officer Jason Settlemoir offered his perspective on the venture: "The partnership between FOX, NYRA and The Meadowlands has shown the enormous potential of putting two of racing’s greatest events, The Whitney and Hambletonian programs, in front of a national television audience. The Meadowlands and the Hambletonian Society are honoured to be a part of the FOX broadcasts."
Here is a list of dates and feature stakes that are subject to additions and revision:
- Saturday, April 29 (6-11 p.m.)
- Friday, May 19 (9-11:30 p.m.)
- Saturday, May 20 (8-11 p.m.) Cutler Memorial FFA Trot
- Saturday, July 1 (9-11 p.m.) Crawford Farms and Six Pack FFA Trots/Roll With Joe/Perfect Sting FFA Paces
- Saturday, July 8 (9-11 p.m.) Meadowlands Pace elims and Graduate finals
- Saturday, July 15 (10 p.m.-12 a.m.) Meadowlands Pace final and supporting card with purses of $2.5 million
- Saturday, Aug. 5 (1-5 p.m. then 6-7 p.m.) Hambletonian and supporting card with purses of $3.5 million
- Friday, Sept. 8 (9-11 p.m.) New Jersey Classic Series finals
(Meadowlands)