With the conclusion of the $1 million USD Hambletonian 100 celebration, which set industry-wide handle and attendance records on August 2 at The Meadowlands in East Rutherford, N.J., the Hambletonian Society Board of Directors is now turning its attention to the future of the sport’s most prestigious race.
Formed in 1924 to sponsor the Hambletonian, the Society has, for more than a century, overseen the event’s format, venues, and host-track agreements. The race was initially awarded to the New York State Fair in Syracuse, where rainouts disrupted two of the first three editions. In 1930, the Hambletonian found a long-term home at Good Time Park in Goshen, N.Y., where it remained for 26 years. The Du Quoin State Fair in Illinois then carried the Hambletonian tradition forward until the opening of the Meadowlands Racetrack in New Jersey, which has hosted the event for the past 44 years.
Under Society by-laws, the Hambletonian is opened annually to prospective host-track bids unless already secured under a multi-year contract. The Meadowlands is contracted to host through 2026; however, the track did not exercise its exclusive right of renewal, which expired Sept. 1, 2025.
In the interest of ensuring the long-term health and prominence of America’s Trotting Classic, the Hambletonian Society will now open the event to host-track proposals beginning with the 2027 edition. All tracks, including the existing host track, are able to bid if Society by-law requirements are met.
(Hambletonian Society)