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:
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.
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