Cranbury, March 16,
2016…..The Meadowlands Racetrack, longest-running host track of the classic
Hambletonian race for 3-year-old trotters, has signed a contract extension to
host the event through 2021.
The Hambletonian
Society, which owns the race, and Jeff Gural, chairman of the New Meadowlands
Racetrack LLC, have extended the existing Hambletonian contract from 2018 to
2021. An option to host future races was required before May 15, and the NMR was
quick to exercise that option.
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.
Hambletonian day,
traditionally the first Saturday in August is scheduled for August 6. It is the
only harness race that strictly prohibits race-day medication, even the
commonly accepted therapeutic medication Lasix. Hambletonian day continues
to set North American handle and attendance records in the new Meadowlands
grandstand, with more than $8 million wagered in 2015.
"Since 1981 the
Meadowlands has been a proud host of the Hambletonian. This agreement
solidifies that commitment, and we are all dedicated in continuing to make the
race a world-wide attraction," said Jeff Gural.
"We appreciate the
confidence of the Hambletonian Society in continuing their relationship with
us,” said Jason M. Settlemoir, CEO/GM of NMR. “Hambletonian Day is annually the
most highly-anticipated day of racing in our sport and we take great pride in
continuing to make the Meadowlands the home of America’s Trotting Classic.
The agreement also means
the Meadowlands will be the home of the Hambletonian for a record four decades
through 2021, the longest the event has been raced at any one track.
Tom Charters, president
of the Hambletonian Society, which has owned and administrated the Hambletonian
since its inception in 1926, praised the Meadowlands for past contributions and
future growth of one of the most iconic races in the world.
“The state of New Jersey
(NJSEA) brought the Hambletonian here in 1981 and Jeff Gural and his management
team have continued to keep the sport’s signature race at the highest level.
They are wonderful partners and we look forward to 2021 and beyond,” said
Charters.
The Hambletonian is the
first leg of the trotting Triple Crown, followed by the Yonkers Trot on August
27 and Kentucky Futurity on October 9.
