EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ
(January 5, 2016) – The Meadowlands
Racetrack and its horsemen are joining together this weekend (Friday and
Saturday) to raise funds for the victims of a devastating fire at Classy Lane
Training Center in Ontario on Monday that killed more than 40 standardbred
racehorses.
“This is every horseperson’s
absolute worst nightmare,” said Jason M. Settlemoir, General Manager and CEO of
Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment. “Many thanks to Jennifer Bongiorno here
at the Meadowlands for taking the lead on this fundraiser that we hope will
raise a significant amount of money for the six trainers who lost horses in
this awful tragedy.”
Meadowlands chairman Jeff
Gural will kick off the fundraiser by pledging a $10,000 donation. In addition,
harness racing’s leading trainer, Ron Burke, has pledged 2.5 percent of his
trainer earnings plus five percent of the money earned by the Burke Racing
Stable at the Meadowlands this Friday and Saturday. The partnership of Mark
Weaver and Michael Bruscemi has also pledged five percent of the earnings their
horses make this weekend as well.
The Meadowlands is
encouraging drivers, trainers, and owners competing this weekend to make a
pledge as well. Pledge forms will be available in the Meadowlands race paddock
on Friday and Saturday night. An online pledge form will be posted on the
Meadowlands website for horsemen that would like to help, but will not be
attending the races this weekend. After racing is complete, the Meadowlands
will collect the funds from the horsemen and donate them to the fire victims.
“One thing that is so special
about this sport is that the hardworking men and women in harness racing always
come together during challenging times and this tragedy is no different,” said
Settlemoir.
In addition to horsemen
donations, the Meadowlands will also set up donation baskets at the Players
Club for fans that wish to help.
Live racing at the
Meadowlands takes place this weekend on Friday and Saturday nights. Each night
features a 14-race program beginning at the new earlier time of 6:35 p.m.
For more information, visit www.playmeadowlands.com.
