Meadowlands Cup wagers to benefit Heroes Fund

Meadowlands Racetrack will donate all proceeds from wagering on Friday's $500,000 Meadowlands Cup to the National Thoroughbred Racing Association's (NTRA) New York Heroes Fund.

Working with the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen's Benevolent Association (NJTHBA) and Thoroughbred Breeders Association, the Meadowlands announced Monday it will also donate all admission revenues on Friday.

The Meadowlands and the NJTHBA will guarantee a $100,000 donation to the fund.

"The Meadowlands and the entire New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority have been actively involved in many efforts to aid those affected by tragedy in New York on September 11," said Senior Executive Vice President of Racing Bruce H. Garland. "Our horsemen have been supportive and are eager to participate and we all want to make every effort to ensure the success of

this evening.

"We have also gained assurances from the NTRA and Breeders' Cup that these funds will also benefit the many victims who are residents of the state of New Jersey."

To show their support, the jockeys, valets and Meadowlands gate crew will wear red, white and blue armbands during racing. The color scheme will also appear on the racing program cover and saddle pads. The starting gate has been adorned with two large American flags since racing resumed on Sept. 18.