Meadowlands: Harness racing returns Friday for mini meet
If it’s true good things come in small packages, the upcoming two weeks at The Meadowlands are not to be missed. That’s because the mile oval will be conducting a brief “Mini Meet” where live action will be contested over a two-week period where four programs will be in the spotlight before harness racing takes a five-week break.
The Mini Meet race dates are Aug. 30 and 31 and Sept. 6 and 7. Post time is 6:20 p.m.
“This meeting might be brief,” said Big M Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir. “But it will have some serious racing as the New Jersey Classic will take center stage with eliminations during our opening weekend and eight championship finals – with total purses estimated at $1.7 million – during closing weekend.”
For those of you who follow Big M happenings, you know the track just took a three-week hiatus after another highly successful Hambletonian Day, where Karl gave driver Yannick Gingras his first-ever Hambletonian win while trainer Nancy Takter notched her second consecutive score in harness racing’s version of the Kentucky Derby, which was seen live coast-to-coast on broadcast television on FOX Sports.
(To see a replay of the 99th edition of the Hambletonian, go here.)
Betting, as usual, was a Hambo Day delight. For the sixth time in the last seven years, all-source handle on the Hambletonian Day program topped $7 million, with the 2020 COVID-19 card the only one to fail to reach that plateau.
Despite several downpours during the course of the day, a total of $7,427,223 was wagered on the blockbuster 16-race program, good for an average per race of $464,201.
Business was predictably brisk on the Hambletonian itself, as $1,115,982 was pushed through the windows on “America’s Trotting Classic”, the third year in a row where betting busted the million-dollar barrier.
Taking a look further down the road, when The Meadowlands returns on Oct. 18 after the Mini Meet concludes, the action will be sizzling from the start as the Breeders Crown – harness racing’s $7-million end-of-the-year championship extravaganza – will come to town with eliminations on the 18th and 19th, followed by the big-money finals one week later, on the 25th and 26th.
By the way, fans of Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing are in for a treat on Oct. 18. That Friday will see a rare doubleheader at The Big M, when the harness action gets underway at a special early post time of 12:30 p.m. before a program of turf racing for the “runners” begins at 7 p.m.
BCCC KICK OFF: The Breeders Crown Charity Challenge was conceived to create positive relationships with the local community, raise awareness and fund local charities. The Challenge has already raised over $1.5 million for its charitable pursuits.
On Friday (Aug. 30), the Challenge begins with four selected charities getting paired with their teams in a live draw, which will take place after race four in the winner’s circle.
Cheer on the charities in a fun race in a double-seated jog cart where a representative from each charity will get paired up with a driver in a mile dash for points. The race order of finish will determine point distribution.
On Saturday (Aug. 31), in celebration of this year’s participating charities, The Big M is hosting a Family Fun Day at the track complete with pony rides, face painting and other family-friendly activities to enjoy. Head to the Backyard from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. to be a part of everything.
YOUTH TO BE SERVED: The Meadowlands is hosting its annual 30 and under handicapping contest on Saturday (Aug. 31).
The free handicapping competition is exclusively for fans between the ages of 18 and 30 and offers a $5,000 total-prize pool.
Fans may register for the entry-fee free contest in the clubhouse lobby until 6:30 p.m.
The contest format requires players to make a mythical $2 across-the-board wager on one horse in races two through 11 at The Meadowlands. The winner is the contestant who amasses the highest bankroll from their selections.
The prize payouts to the top four finishers are: 1st: $2,000; 2nd: $1,500; 3rd: $1,000; 4th: $500.
All contest participants will receive a free program, a $10 betting voucher and will be treated to a $20 food voucher. For all upcoming events and promotions, visit PlayMeadowlands.com.
-edited release (Meadowlands)