Meadowlands: Wagering investigation clears Bongiorno, Di Costanzo

(Following is a release from The Meadowlands)

The Meadowlands, in response to customer complaints and concerns over the low Daily Double payoff in races 13 & 14 last Saturday (May 20) evening, chose to exclude Joe Bongiorno and Nicole Di Costanzo, both of whom drove in the race in question, from driving and the Jenn Bongiorno and Nicole Di Costanzo stables from entering horses while an investigation was conducted on the matter.

Management received several complaints about the short return of $21.20 for a $2 wager on Saturday's Late Double (races 13 & 14) when a $2 bet on the 14th race winner Lyons Pride, driven by Ms. Di Costanzo, returned $31. Mr. Bongiorno drove the 6-5 race favorite JK Standingovation to a 6th place finish in the 14th race.

In response to the complaints and in an effort to provide the level of integrity that gives the customer confidence, an investigation into betting patterns was conducted by examining information provided by tote on wagers placed on those races, both on site and remotely, including some bets that were cancelled.

The findings were that an unusually low-priced winner in the 13th race ($2.20 win) skewed the payoffs with wagering on the 14th race winner, Lyons Pride, consistent as the 4th favorite in both the win and Late Double pools.

The investigation was concluded revealing no wagering irregularities. As a result, the affected parties are welcome to participate beginning on Saturday, May 27.