Meadowlands: 2021 handle averaging over $3 million per card; Pick 6 carryover Friday

It was June of last year when The Meadowlands reopened after a three-month shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

And when it did, there was little certainty.

"We opened with no fans on site and had no idea how our product would be received by a betting public that had been through so much," said track Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir. "But as we move into the 2021 holiday season, New Jersey and The Meadowlands are standing tall. Breeding is up big time and handle is approaching $270 million for the 2021 racing season, a standard of excellence that has been made possible with the help of Gov. [Phil] Murphy and the New Jersey State Legislature."

Obviously, The Big M's loyal following has played a huge part.

"We could not have had the type of year that we've had without the loyal horseplayers around the world throwing their support behind The Meadowlands product," said Settlemoir.

During 2021, nightly average handle on Meadowlands live races is over $3 million. "The only nighttime track of any breed to reach that figure," said Settlemoir. "And with three nights of live racing remaining this year, it is very likely that our total handle will show an increase of over $100 million as compared to 2018. That season immediately preceded the Governor signing the bill in February of 2019 that cleared the way for a state appropriation earmarked to help the harness racing industry in the State of New Jersey.

"The 2018 season saw an average nightly handle of just over $2 million a night, so it's easy for everyone to see the amazing progress we have made in New Jersey. The average handle is up $1 million a night."

PICK-6 CARRYOVER: There were no winning tickets sold in the 20-cent Pick-6 Saturday (Dec. 11) night, creating a carryover of $7,654 when racing returns Friday.

-edited release (Meadowlands)