For photos from the Meadowlands contact Lisaphoto@playmeadowlands.com

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Meadowlands Racetrack to Host $1 Million Hambletonian on August 5, 2017


The Meadowlands Racetrack, longest-running host track of the classic Hambletonian race for 3-year-old trotters, has set a date of Saturday afternoon August 5, 2017 for the 92nd edition of the classic event.

The Hambletonian Society, which owns the race, and Jeff Gural, chairman of the New Meadowlands Racetrack LLC, have an existing contract to host the Hambletonian through 2021.

The $1 million Hambletonian, and the companion race for 3-year-old fillies, the $500,000 Hambletonian Oaks, are the richest of their kind currently offered in harness racing, and among the richest worldwide, regardless of breed. 

There are currently 350 colts and 347 fillies eligible to make sustaining payments in February 2017 to remain eligible to participate in next year’s race. 

"Despite the likelihood that the casino referendum will be defeated, the Meadowlands is fully committed to host the Hambletonian next year on August 5 and continues to expect to fully promote this prestigious race as our signature event,” said Jeff Gural.

Hambletonian day continues to set North American handle and attendance records in the new Meadowlands grandstand, with more than $6.9 million wagered in 2016. The Hambletonian race is also the longest-running live national TV broadcast in harness racing. 

For more information contact Moira Fanning at the Hambletonian Society (732-306-6713) or Rachel Ryan at the Meadowlands Racetrack (201) 842-5015.



1 comment:

Anonymous said...

It would have been a surprise if Mr.Gural DID NOT include the Hambletonian among a trimmed stakes offering next year. Still, the Hambletonian has never quite been the same since leaving Illinois.

There was a different feeling at DuQuoin. I was at the 1975 and 1976 Hambletonians. Fans could walk in the barns area. Drivers and trainers were approachable. Those days felt very special.

I'm not that far from the Meadowlands now, but never feel the urge to attend Hambletonian Day.