Meadowlands Racetrack to Temporarily Shut Down Today at 6pm

 

Meadowlands Racetrack Media Relations

East Rutherford, NJ - The Meadowlands Racetrack will close at 6 pm today, Tuesday, September 29^th.  The racetrack continues to take an aggressive stance against the spread of COVID-19.

Over the past several days the medical team has identified a few individuals that tested positive for COVID-19 that they acquired either in the workplace or at home.  Contact tracing is ongoing.

Out of an abundance of caution the entire facility will be shut down for top to bottom sanitization.  The Meadowlands Racetrack is committed to providing a safe and healthy grandstand for all employees, patrons and fans.

The plan is to re-open to fans at 10 am on Saturday, October 3^rd.

Live harness racing will take place as scheduled on Friday, October 2^nd without spectators.  Horsemen are reminded to have the COVID questionnaire completed when arriving at the stable gate for their temperature check.  Face coverings are required at all times while in the paddock.

Fans are encouraged to wager online by visiting their favorite online OTW. Must be 18+ to wager.

Re-opening details will be posted at PlayMeadowlands.com. Winners Bayonne OTW remains open for simulcasting.

 

HIGHALATOR WINS AGAIN AT BIG M

By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Neither three weeks off nor a horse grabbing the lead off the far turn could stop Highalator from continuing his winning ways at The Meadowlands, as the 6-year-old won his second straight after being under siege throughout the stretch at the mile oval Saturday night.

For those who bet on the Jenny Bier trainee, who last raced on Sept. 5 at The Big M, it looked almost too good to be true in the early going, as driver Ricky Still urged the son of Somebeachsomewhere-Higher And Higher to the lead from post 10 without having to work too hard to do it.

The quarter was reached in a leisurely :27.1 before the half was hit in a sleepy :55.3. But on the far turn, Jesse Duke N made a race of it after popping out of the three-hole on the far turn, and came after the leader with good momentum, actually grabbing a half-length advantage with three-sixteenths-of-a-mile to go.

But Highalator had more.

Through the stretch, Highalator and Jesse Duke N went at it toe-to-toe while U S Captain on the outside and Ideal Feeling at the rail made their way into the scrum. At the wire, Highalator determinedly prevailed in 1:50, finishing a head in front of Ideal Feeling. U S Captain, the 2-1 public choice, was third while Jesse Duke N was fourth.

Owned by Jenny Bier, Joann Dombeck and Midsize Construction Inc., Highalator, who has won three of four 2020 starts at The Big M, returned $11.60 to win as the third choice in the wagering. He now has 37 victories from just 81 lifetime starts and earnings of $604,614.

A LITTLE MORE: Brian Sears and Dexter Dunn sat atop the driver’s colony for the evening, as each guided three winners. … One of Sears’ wins came with Exotic Dance, a 4-year-old pacing mare from the Jenn Bongiorno stable who increased her winning streak to four in a $15,000-$20,000 claiming handicap. … Despite favorites winning both races, each 10-cent Pentafecta brought handsome payouts. The fifth race paid $1,404.70 and the 13^th race came back $1,633.47. … All-source wagering totaled $2,251,836. … Racing resumes Friday at 7:15 p.m.

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DARRELL RIDEOUT WINS GLADA TROT AT NORTHFIELD PARK ON SEPT. 26

by john manzi for GLADA

Northfield, OH—Nine members of the The Great Lakes Amateur Drivers Association convened at Northfield Park for a trot in the clubs year-long series and when the judges declared the race official Here Comes Mooney and driver Darrell Rideout emerged victorious in a time of 1:57.

But it took the photo-finish camera to determine that Rideout's trotter was the winner in a tight three-horse photo. Here Comes Mooney finished a neck in front of Mesmerised (Larry Ferrari) with Allen Sisco and Gonna Fly right there, just head behind the first two.

When the race started Brian Miller sent the betting favorite, Stick With Me Kid, to the lead ad were challenged by the eventual winner who was second on the limb as the field passed the first stanza. However, at the halfway point Here Comes Mooney had pylon position and took command as Stick With Me Kid faded. From there it was a battle as Mesmerised picked up the chase and at the three quarters Mesmerised was challenging for the lead. In third place Gonna Fly was within striking distance and they raced heads apart all the way to the wire.

Rideout had had a drivers license for over 20 years and drove only occasionally. But this year he scored his third seasonal driving victory

Here Comes Moony notched his 7^th seasonal triumph. Sent off at odds of over 7-2 Here Comes Moony paid $9.60 for win. He's owned by Joe Cirasuola and trained by Chris Allen.

The next event in the GLADA Series will be at the Red Mile on Oct 2..     

Golden Gun wins Vernon closing night feature.

 Golden Gun (Jeff Sorenson) captures the $4,400 featured pace on closing night at Vernon Downs on Friday (September 26). 

 Golden Gun ($22.00) went straight to the front and led to the first quarter in :26.3.  Chip Walther (Leon Bailey) followed second with Chatelroll (Truman Gale) in third.  Golden Gun controlled the pace with a :29.0 second quarter hitting the half in :55.3.  As they headed for three-quarters Golden Gun hung on to a slight lead getting there first in1:23.1. 

  As the made the turn for home they were three across the track as Golden Gun was joined by Chip Walther and Chatelroll.  Golden Gun dug in as Chaptelroll backed off.  It was down to two Golden Gun and Chip Walther battling in deep stretch.  In the end Golden Gun was too tough winning in 1:51.1.  Chip Walther was second but placed fifth for interference with Chatelroll as they headed to three-quarters.  Late-charging Clouseau Hanover (Jennifer Lappe) was awarded second.  Johnnysfirecracker (Chris Long) finished third. 

 Golden Gun is a 10-year-old gelding by Headmaster.  He is owned by the Wiz Kids Stables and trained by Sorenson.  It was his third win this season and 38^th career victory. 

 Chris Long drove three winners on the card.  Jennifer Lappe had a driving-training double on the night.  Gary Levine trained two winners on his birthday.   

 

Leon Bailey is top driver of 2020. 

 Leon Bailey wins the Vernon Downs dash title with 47 victories at the Miracle Mile. He is now on a prestigious list that includes his grandfather Vernon Downs legend, Jack (The Ripper) Bailey.  Jack won multiple titles during his reign at Vernon.  Long time defending champion John MacDonald finished second in 2020 with 43 tallies.  Howard Parker (30), Jimmy Whittemore (24), and Jennifer Lappe (16) round out the top five. 

 

Kerin Warner takes training title. 

Kerin Warner led all trainers in 2020 with 19 wins.  George Ducharme finished second with 17 tallies.  Claude Huckabone III, Jennifer Lappe, and David Dewhurst tied for third with 16 wins each. 

 

Jenny Lake earns 2020 horse of the year. 

Jenny Lake used eight wins in 12 starts at Vernon Downs this season to capture horse of the year honors.  The trotter is a 4-year-old mare by RC Royalty.  Her regular driver was Leon Bailey.  She is trained by Paul Minckler for owners Ed Namiotka Jr. and Carol Namiotka.   

 

Vernon Downs would like to thank all fans and horse people for a successful 2020 season even with all the obstacles thrown our way.  We can’t wait for the 2021 season. 

For more information go to www.vernondowns.com  

 

Sportech Bug Causes False Carryover at the Meadowlands

 Meadowlands Racetrack Media Relations.

 East Rutherford, NJ – Statement regarding the Meadowlands Racetrack’s September 25^th race 13 pentafecta payout.

“When we noticed a carryover posted for our last race pentafecta, it immediately raised a red flag for us,” stated the Meadowlands Racetrack’s GM & COO Jason Settlemoir.  “We reached out to our tote provider Sportech and asked them to research the wager for us.”

Ted Shaine, General Manger/QDC East for Sportech Racing issued the following statement:
“ For the 13th race Pentafecta pool on 25-SEP-20, the system encountered a software bug and did not properly detect tickets with 5/5 winners and therefore created a carryover.  The carryover has been removed from tonight's (Sept 26^th) card and wagers with 5/5 from last night will be paid manually. The software bug has been corrected for tonight's (Sept 26^th)  card.”

“We appreciate Sportech researching this quickly,” said Settlemoir. “Racing and wagering integrity is of the utmost importance to us.  We will continue to work with Sportech and the New Jersey Racing Commission on this issue.”

 All bettors are urged to hold their September 25^th last race pentafecta tickets if they had 5-for-5 so they can be properly paid out.

THREE STAY UNBEATEN IN KINDERGARTEN AT BIG M

By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Fire Start Hanover, Commanding Officer and Summa Cum Laude all remained perfect through two legs of the Kindergarten Classic for 2-year-olds at The Meadowlands Friday night.

Fire Start Hanover had an easy time of it in the first race filly pace, sailing down the road in a lifetime-best 1:52.1 to win by 1¾ lengths with driver Victor Kirby calling the shots. The daughter of Somebeachsomewhere-Fit To Frame, who is trained by Nifty Norman, paid $3.20 to win as the 3-5 favorite and ran her overall winning streak to three.

Commanding Officer completed an all-chalk Early Daily Double for trainer Tony Alagna and driver Scott Zeron. The 2-5 favorite cleared to the lead before the three-eighths on the way to a 1½-length romp in 1:52.1 in a division for colt and gelding pacers. The son of Captaintreacherous-Turnoffthelights returned $2.80 to win.

Summa Cum Laude stayed unbeaten in taking another division for male pacers in race nine. Driven by Simon Allard for trainer Ron Burke, Summa Cum Laude took over the lead after Bettor Not Talk went off stride while racing on the point on the way to the half. The winner, a son of Somebeachsomewhere-Western Graduate, scored by a length in 1:52.2 and returned $4.00 as the even-money post-time choice.

A LITTLE MORE: Allard was the top driver of the night. Currently fifth in the standings at Pocono Downs, Allard won three races on the night, two of them for Burke. … Kirby guided a pair of winner’s circle visitors for Norman. … Mark MacDonald and Zeron also steered two to victory lane. … Big M TV personality Jessica Otten correctly selected the $267.40 Early 50-cent Pick-4. She also gave out best bet Mazzarati, who returned $9.80 to win. … Despite the 4-5 favorite scoring easily, the 13^th race Pentafecta failed to yield a winning ticket. The next Late 10-cent Pentafecta will start out with a carryover of $14,331. … All-source wagering totaled $1,878,489. … Racing resumes Saturday at 7:15 p.m.

Jenny Lake Wins Vernon Downs feature.

Jenny Lake (Leon Bailey) rolls to easy win in the $5,200 featured trot at Vernon Downs on Friday (September 25). 

2020 Vernon downs horse of the year, Jenny Lake ($2.40) jumped right to the front and led to a first quarter of :27.2.  She was followed in the pocket by American JJ (Michael Miller) and she used a :29.1 second quarter to hit the half in :56.3.  She trotted to three-quarters in 1:25.4. 

As they made the turn for home Amercican JJ gave everything he had but Jenny Lake found another gear and was much the best as she equaled her lifetime best of 1:54.1.  Amercan JJ put in a valiant effort but had to settle for second best.  Haveitalltogether (Chris Long) finished third. 

Jenny Lake is a 4-year-old mare by RC Royalty.  She is trained by Paul Minckler for owners Ed Namiotka Jr. and Carol Namiotka.  It was her eighth win this season all at Vernon Downs.  She now has 15 career victories.  

Leading driver Leon Bailey had a driving double on the card.  He got his other win with the Kerin Warner trained Bet Big On Blue ($5.90). 

With Just one night of racing left, Kerin Warner leads all trainer with 19 wins.  George Ducharme is second best with 17 tallies.  Claude Huckabone III is just three back with 16 victories.  David Dewhurst is fourth with 15 wins. Jennifer Lappe, and Brandy Wine are tied for fifth with 14 wins each. 

Vernon Downs returns to live racing with closing night for the 2020 season on Saturday (September 26) starting at 3:00 p.m. 

For more information go to www.vernondowns.com  

Federal Bill May Incentivize States to Defund Anti-Doping and Medication Rule Enforcement

             The newly proposed Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act of 2020 (S.4547) may provide an incentive for States to defund existing anti-doping and medication rule enforcement programs according to an analysis being prepared for the Association of Racing Commissioners International so the group can help achieve a “smooth transition” should the measure be enacted.  

             “COVID-19 has economically devastated many state budgets and the additional resources just may not be there to improve upon the existing anti-doping and medication enforcement program infrastructure to comply with S.4547,” said Ed Martin, President of the ARCI.

             The RCI President said It is not unreasonable to expect that a State Budget Director or Legislative Committee will look at this law and question why the state needs to continue paying for the existing program, any new unfunded mandates, and a new federal authority as well as it’s contracted enforcement agency.   As the law allows the state to “off load” their current program and have the federally dictated system operate and pay for it, there will be an economic incentive to do that. 

             At that point racetracks, owners, trainers, breeders, and veterinarians may be assessed costs to replace the lost state investment and pay for the additional two entities envisioned by the bill.

             Depending on the state, the local racing industry will continue to pay all current state assessments and taxes and may discover that they now must pay newly levied assessments to pay for the now federally mandated privatized program.

             According to the analysis and assuming that there will be no industry specific state tax cut in these jurisdictions and existing revenue sources will remain, the racetracks, owners, trainers, breeders, and veterinarians in the following states (partial list) are potentially exposed to paying again should their state program be shifted to the newly created NGO: 

Illinois	Colorado
Michigan	Florida
Oregon	Arizona
Massachusetts	Nebraska
Virginia	Washington
Indiana	New Mexico
Wyoming	Louisiana

           

             Some states have the ability to directly bill racetracks for their program.  These states may continue to operate their existing program and simply forward the newly enhanced bill for the current program, additional mandates and the two new entities directly to the racetracks which will then be required to pay the state.   These jurisdictions include:

New Jersey	Texas
Kentucky	Delaware
Iowa	Oklahoma
Massachusetts	Nebraska
Virginia	Maryland* (see below)
West Virginia	Minnesota
New York* (see below)

 

             In New York, state general fund monies are used to pay for the drug testing enforcement program and shortfalls are recouped from a commission determined industry assessment on racetracks and owners.    Given New York’s post virus severe financial needs going forward it would be possible for the state to cut funds for drug testing and allow the commission to impose fees on tracks and owners to pay for the shortfall and any additional costs imposed by the legislation.  

             If that were to happen or should the State hand the program off, the prospect for an industry specific tax cut would be slim and the industry would be totally required to make up the loss of state investment.

             In Maryland, only certain costs can be forwarded to the tracks and additional mandates may require legislation in order to be passed through.  

             S.4547 envisions that racing commissions will pass the overhead costs for the new authority and its enforcement agency to industry participants based on the assessment bill received each year.   The states do not have the authority to unilaterally impose and set such assessments with the possible exception of New York as indicated above.

             The States have had to do the best job they could with the available funding.  State budgets have always considered the ability of people to afford the assessments.  This bill puts no limit on program funding which is a luxury no State Racing Commission ever has had.  

 

 

SEPTEMBER NOW SUPER AT BIG M WINDOWS

Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Historically, wagering at The Meadowlands has been less than spectacular in September. In fact, the last time there was harness racing at the mile oval in the ninth month of the year, the average handle was a mere $1.6 million on the four cards conducted in 2017.

But since then, a cavalry has appeared to save the day.

Garden State Gov. Phil Murphy – along with the members of the New Jersey Legislature –  approved an appropriation earmarked for the horse racing industry in the winter of 2019, which increased purses at the track, which created the positive cycle of bigger fields, better horses and bigger handle.

Over the last four race cards of September 2020, the average handle stands at $2.5 million.

“The appropriation has made quite a difference,” said Big M Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir. “We are very appreciative of the work Gov. Murphy and members of the Legislature did. New Jersey has experienced a resurgence as the leader in the harness industry, with a revitalized breeding industry. It’s also allowed The Meadowlands to offer lower takeouts to bring bettors everywhere in the world back to New Jersey.”

THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN: The Big M’s betting menu offers seven wagers nightly that offer low 15 percent takeouts. There have been several adjustments to the lineup, as “jackpot” wagers have been eliminated to further lower takeout to horseplayers.

The bets:

·         Race 1: 20-cent Pick-5

·         Race 3: 20-cent Pick-6

·         Race 5: 10-cent Pentafecta

·         Race 6: 50-cent Pick-4

·         Race 9: 20-cent Pick-5

·         Race 10: 50-cent Pick-4

·         Race 13: 10-cent Pentafecta

FREE STUFF: For free past performances, go to playmeadowlands.com, where one can access races nine through 13 for both the Friday and Saturday programs. Those races include the 20-cent Late Pick-5, 50-cent Late Pick-4 and 10-cent Late Pentafecta, not to mention the Late Daily Double.

HOT TO TROT: Last weekend (Sept. 18-19), three drivers – Dexter Dunn, Tim Tetrick and Todd McCarthy – registered five winners.

McCarthy, 27, a newcomer to the Big M driver colony, has nine victories over the last three programs at the track, the first nine wins of his career at the mile oval since his arrival from Australia.

On the training side, Marcus Melander, Nancy Takter and Tony Alagna had three trips to the winner’s circle apiece.

COME OUT, TUNE IN: Simulcast fans will have plenty of options at The Big M over the next few days.

On Thursday (Sept. 24), the 75^th edition of The Little Brown Jug takes center stage at the Delaware (Ohio) Fairgrounds. The top four finishers from races 15 and 16 return for the 20^th race final, which offers a purse of $335,400. Post time for the first race is noon. Race 20 is scheduled for 7:36 p.m.

Seven races with a purse of at least $100,000 are on Friday’s (Sept. 25) card at Indiana’s Hoosier Park while Woodbine Mohawk Park offers another in what has been a string of super Saturday (Sept. 26) programs of late, with the $455,000 She’s A Great Lady, $215,000 Milton, $720,000 Metro and $1.3 million Mohawk Million the featured events on a night when over $2.8 million in purses will be doled out.

TWEET THE TEAM: Stay in touch on Twitter with the Big M’s Dave Brower (@eedoogie), Dave Little (@DaveLittleBigM), Ken Warkentin (@kenvoiceover) and Jessica Otten (@JessicaOtten1). Check in everyday for Meadowlands news and updates at those handles, as well as @TheMeadowlands and #playbigm.

CHECK OUT THE PICKS: For those who need to get a leg up on the action, go to playmeadowlands.com to check out selections and commentary. For Friday’s card, click on this link: http://www.thebigm.com/RaceReviews.aspx?racedt=9/25/2020.

ALL THIS….AND SPORTS BETTING, TOO: The Big M’s FanDuel Sportsbook is the place to get all of your MLB, NBA, NHL, WNBA, PGA and NFL action, every day from 10 a.m.-midnight.

McConnell Bill Authorizes Strict Control of Medications in Training

             The federally sanctioned authority empowered by newly proposed legislation by Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell will be able to impose strict controls on the use of any therapeutic medications administered to a “covered horse”, effectively setting the stage for a program that could require a veterinarian to receive prior permission before treating the horse with a prescription medication.

             Such a system, if implemented, would parallel the “therapeutic use exemption” program in human sport.   Under the requirements of the World Anti-Doping Agency code, advance permission must be obtained before a controlled substance is administered to an athlete in training or competition.

             Unlike human sport, it is not expected that the new Authority would depart from current ARCI Model Rules or IFHA standards that prohibit such drugs to be present in the horse when it races.  

             But S.4547 does give the new Authority powers to control all substances administered to horses under its jurisdiction.     Under the proposal, a “covered horse” comes under the jurisdiction of the new Authority after its first timed workout at a racetrack.

             The analysis finds that the new Authority could, for the first time, put in place a system to control what some believe is the overuse of certain drugs in the care and preparation of horses intended to race.   Whether it will actually do so, the timing of such a change, or how it would work is not yet known.   

             Given the number of racehorses potentially regulated by the new Authority such a program would require additional resources than what is currently available in the regulatory network in order to review such applications.  

             State Racing Commissions are not authorized to regulate the practice of veterinary medicine.   There has, however, been a trend within the ARCI and the RMTC to require commission notification of certain treatments and in some limited circumstances advance approval.    Current regulatory policy relies largely on the ability of a commission to exclude a horse from competition.    In some jurisdictions legal and liability concerns have affected the extent of the changes that could be done.

             In July 2019, the ARCI proposed a private regulatory scheme using existing breed registry authority to require submission of all veterinary treatment records, including the diagnosis required for treatments, of all intended racehorses from birth forward,  These records would be electronically reviewed to “red flag’ horses in need of greater monitoring in order to help regulatory veterinarians assess whether a horse is high risk and should be excluded from competition.    

            As S.4547 has a greater focus on anti-doping, it does not require such a system.  The bill does effectively put the actual horse under the regulatory authority of the new Authority at a uniform and consistent point in its career, eliminating inconsistencies that currently exist in state-based statutes and rules.  

             It remains unclear whether the Authority will require the submission of all veterinary records or will fall short of what the ARCI had asked the Jockey Club to require in 2019.

 

STEVE OLDFORD AND MISSLE J RAMBLE TO A 1:54 TRIUMPH IN THE FOUTS MEMORIAL

by john manzi or GLADA

DELAWARE OH—“He was a handful and all I did was steady him and let him ramble,” Steve Oldford said citing Missile J's stunning 1:54 triumph in The Fouts Memorial at Delaware, Ohio on Sept. 20. “He's got a big engine and sometimes a mind of his own so instead of looking for a hole when the gate sprung I just steadied him and he did all the rest.”

Oldford was referring to his stunning 1:54 victory at the home of the Little Brown Jug in a race that featured top amateur drivers from various US amateur clubs in what has become an annual event.

“After starting from the five-hole little did I realize that I was going to get the fastest ride of my life on a double-oval,” Oldford added.

At the quarter Daniel Jones and Cyclone Alvie wouldn't relinquish the lead when Missile J came calling and the two trotters got locked in a speed duel by that marker in :27.1 And with Oldfield's charge in command they zipped by the half in :54.4. From there it was literally 'ballgame' as the 7-year-old American Ideal gelding opened daylight on his competitors and finished some six lengths ahead of Noah Z Tam who was driven by Jazmin Arnold. Tony Ciuffetelli garnered the show dough with The Smidge.

Owned by Black Magic Racing LLC and trained by Todd Luther Missile J returned a $3.40 win mutuel

Indoor Dining this Weekend at the Meadowlands

Meadowlands Racetrack Media Relations

East Rutherford, NJ - Limited indoor dining continues this Friday and Saturday night during live racing (7:15 pm post). 

Trotters has a $29.95 pre fixe menu featuring a variety of salads and hot entrees and side dishes.  A selection of pre-packaged desserts will also be available. On Friday, diners will enjoy a steak house salad with bacon and bleu cheese, teriyaki glazed steak tips and fried Alaskan cod.  Saturday’s menu features traditional Caesar salad, Norwegian salmon with capers, pork tenderloin and chicken Milanese. The full menus can be viewed here.

Reservations are required and dining must be prepaid.  Reservations can be made by calling 201-TheBigM. Trotters members can email Marianne Rotella at mrotella@playmeadowlands.com for reservations. 

Victory Sports Bar and Lounge also has indoor food and beverage service Thursday-Monday for both live racing and sports.  Diners can enjoy a variety of snacks, appetizers and burgers along with a full bar for those 21 and older.  Reservations must be made by emailing Victoryreservations@arkrestaurants.com or calling 201-842-5102.

 The grandstand and apron area remains open at 500 persons social gathering limit with teller and self-service machines available for wagering.

Once capacity is reached guests will be asked to wait in their cars until space becomes available. 

Guests are encouraged to make dining reservations for guaranteed seating.

To adhere to all COVID-19 protocols the Meadowlands has instituted the following measures:

• All guest seating has been 6 ft social distanced
• Hand sanitizer has been placed throughout the grandstand
• All high touch surfaces will be frequently wiped down throughout the day including all self-service machines, door handles and counter-tops

All guests will be required to enter via the Clubhouse entrance. All are required to wear a face covering both indoors and outside, have their temperature checked and complete a brief health questionnaire.  No one with a temperature exceeding 100.4 will be allowed to enter.  There will be no valet parking available for live racing this weekend. 

 

All racing and dining information can be found at PlayMeadowlands.com and the health questionnaire can be downloaded and filled out prior to arrival here.

Its Official, Monticello Raceway is back!

 By Shawn Wiles

Monticello, NY - On Monday September 21, Monticello Raceway hosted its first live racing card since March 12, due to a 6-month hiatus due to COVID-19, Race Secretary Eric Warner was able to card 7 races for the first program.  Greg Merton sat the pocket in the first race with Love Trumps Hate following Pine Tab the entire mile, Pine Tab made a miscue in the stretch, giving Merton the lead and the win in 2:02 for trainer Wesley Miller.  Merton would also go on to win with Sea’s Ideal in race 5.  Mcgwire Sower also have a driving double on the afternoon and Trainer Steve Ray had a training double win with the hardy campaigner Racingtowardsadream and With Our Luck.

On hand for the opening was Charlene Cushing, Cushing was the former longtime Marshall at Monticello Raceway, often referred to as the “best outrider in the industry” Cushing made the 8 hour trek from Farmington Maine to be on hand for the first race at Monticello. Cushing has made the transition from harness racing to nursing after moving to Maine,  Charlene graduated Nursing school a year ago and now works as a nurse in Franklin Memorial Hospital in Farmington Maine. Charlene is married to Mike Cushing of Farmington Maine, Mike is the President of the Maine Harness Horseman’s Association.

Ironically today marks her 30^th anniversary of when she first started as Marshall at Monticello Raceway,  Charlene brought her favorite steed to Monticello Raceway for the occasion, Leo Shady Jack a registered quarter horse.

Breeders To Help Pay for Integrity Program Under McConnell Bill

            An analysis being prepared of newly proposed legislation by Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell will, for the first time, put the thoroughbred breeding industry under racing regulation and require breeders help pay for the sport’s anti-doping and medication enforcement programs. 

             The analysis is being prepared on behalf of the Association of Racing Commissioners International so the group can prepare for a “smooth transition” should the measure be enacted.  

             In December, 2017 the ARCI called for closing the “regulatory gap” to better protect horses by requiring oversight - publicly or privately - of those segments of the industry that do not fall under the authority of a state racing commission.  Such expansion of regulatory authority at the state or federal level would require legislation and industry support, which did not materialize.   

             The McConnell bill falls short of what the ARCI had envisioned, but does require Breeders register with the newly formed NGO (non-governmental organization) and to be considered as “covered persons” eligible for assessments to help pay for the proposed Authority and its Enforcement Agency.    Costs associated with this program have yet to be disclosed but are expected to be in excess of the total funds now being paid by all the state agency programs currently in existence.   Costs assessed by the new Authority may depend on the extent to which the existing state based enforcement infrastructure is used.

             The bill also requires the disclosure of horses that have been treated with bisphosphonate drugs.  

             In July, 2019, the ARCI formally requested The Jockey Club institute a private program of equine welfare regulation using their existing authority and special status in all state racing rulebooks.  No federal or state legislation would be required for such a program.

             The ARCI advocated for horses not yet under the jurisdiction of a racing commission to require submission of all veterinary records and perform suitability reviews that could be used to better identify horses in need of increased monitoring as a safeguard.  “The brutal reality is that some horses needs to be monitored more aggressively and this can only be done by an entity with existing authority to do so or with one specifically empowered by statute,” Martin said, noting that RCI continues to assess whether the McConnell bill will accomplish this.

DANIEL JONES; ALESHA BINKLEY; GLADA WINNERS AT DELAWARE, OHIO

 by John Manzi for the Great Lakes Amateur Drivers Association

Delaware, Ohio---Two trotting divisions in the Great Lakes Amateur Drivers Association Series were contested at the home of the Little Brown Jug in Delaware, Ohio on Sunday (9-20) and when both were declared official Alesha Binkley and Daniel Jones each emerged victorious in their respective splits. Binkley won with odds-on favorite Hititputofthepark in 1:57.1 while Jones was victorious with Dont Forget Muscle in 1:58.4.

Both trotters were victorious after starting from the coveted pole position.

A seasoned veteran even at her young age, Binkley knows that if one has the best horse in the race the place to be is on the front-end. And that's exactly where she put her trotter and once on top they controlled the race.

Hititoutofthepark sped by the first stanza in :28.4 and by the half in :57.4. From there Binley played catch-me-if-you can and nobody could as the 7-year-old Yankee Glide ridgling cruised to a oh -so-easy 5-1/4 lengths victory in 1:57.1 over Favorite Uncle and driver Bob Troyer. Fleet Cessna garnered the show dough for Billy Muggleston.

Hititoutofthepark is owned by the Trent Stohler Stable along with Ben and Tim Graber and trained by Stohler. He paid $3.00 for win.

A second division followed and saw driver Daniel Jones notch his second consecutive GLADA triumph this time winning with Dont Forget Muscle in 1:58.4. But unlike Binkley's triumph Jones came from off the pace.

When the gate sprung Jones allowed Eddie Miller and Star Chip to gain command and with two trotters hung on the limb from the get-go Dont Forget Muscle ended-up with a two hole journey. However when Star Chip's stride shortened as he trotted around the final turn it allowed Jones' charge to get first call, a position Dont Forget Muscle held all the way to the wire as the veteran trotter held off a late rally by A Royal Line, with Steve Oldford at the controls. Third place in the tight three- horse photo, went to Stormont Wizard, driven by Ron Cusimano.

The winner, owned by Robert Beachy, is trained by Jones. He returned a $21.60 win mutuel.

ALLYWAG HANOVER WINS AT BIG M

By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – We’ve seen this before. And before the year is out, it’s almost a certainty we’ll see it again.

Allywag Hanover, a close-up third in The Meadowlands Pace two months ago, ended a personal three-race losing streak with authority Saturday night at The Meadowlands, exploding home in the final eighth of a mile to take a high-end conditioned pace in 1:49.2.

“We’ve seen him get airborne before,” said trainer Brett Pelling. “He gets going faster than most horses go.”

Heading into the ninth race, it was difficult to know which Allywag Hanover would show up, given his disappointing fourth-place finish in the Pennsylvania Sire Stakes Championship as the 3-5 favorite at Harrah’s Philadelphia on Sept. 6.

“When he came back from Canada [after finishing sixth in the North America Cup on Aug. 29], he coughed a little on the Monday before the Sire Stakes,” said Pelling. “He had some clear mucus, and he had the same thing Friday, which was very acceptable. But at Philadelphia, he came up sick, so that was pretty devastating.”

After taking antibiotics and getting some rest, Allywag Hanover was ready to go Saturday after taking 12 days off.

Rodeo Rock, a veteran hard-hitter with a lifetime bankroll of over $723,000, grabbed the lead at the half after brushing from an early three-hole and the 6-5 second choice had things his own way after getting clear of the field through a third fraction of :27.1 saw him reach three-quarters in 1:22.3.

At the head of the stretch, Rodeo Rock was sailing along on a 2½-length advantage while Allywag Hanover was a non-threatening fourth racing with cover with plenty to do.

But then he did it.

At the eighth pole, Rodeo Rock still looked like the winner, but Allywag Hanover, much like he did on July 4 when he kicked home in :25.3 to win in 1:48, found another gear to nail Rodeo Rock at the finish by a neck after pacing a final quarter in :26. Like Clockwork was third.

“It looked to me like he moved twice,” said Pelling. “[Driver Tim] Tetrick said the same thing. He was going, then it looked like he spotted [Rodeo Rock] and started going again.”

In upping his lifetime stats to eight wins from 19 career starts, Allywag Hanover returned $3.60 to his backers as the 4-5 public choice. His earnings now stand at $234,163 for owners Allywag Stable.

Pelling revealed what the plan is for his prized 3-year-old colt, who is a product of Captaintreacherous-Anderosa Hanover.

“He’s going to Hoosier Park Friday for the Jenna’s Beach Boy Stakes,” said Pelling. “And he has other races, too. He’s Breeders Crown eligible. Beyond that, I’m pretty sure he’ll race beyond this year, but it hasn’t been spoken about yet.”

A LITTLE MORE: Todd McCarthy continued to make a big impression at The Meadowlands, driving three winners on the program. Andy McCarthy’s 27-year-old little brother has now won nine races over the last three Big M programs. … All-source handle on the 13-race card was $2,448,703, capping a second straight weekend where wagering exceeded the $5-million mark. … Racing resumes Friday at 7:15 p.m.

Golden Gun wins Vernon Downs feature.

Golden Gun takes the $3,600 pace at Vernon Downs on Saturday (September 29). 

 Golden un ($19.80) squeezed in between horses and took the lead with a lap remaining and led to the first quarter in :26.3.  He used a :28.4 second quarter to hit the half first in :55.2.  Rise Up Now (Leon Bailey) followed in the pocket as Juxlivin My Dream (Chris Long) was the first to make a move going first-over but could not gain much.  Golden Gun led to three-quarters in 1:23.3. 

 As they made the turn for home Rise Up Now popped out of the pocket but was just spinning his wheels.  Chatelroll (Truman Gale) found an opening in deep stretch and came charging late but Golden Gun held firm and won in 1:52.4.  Chatelroll had to settle for second.  Clouseau Hanover (Jennifer Lappe) came up to finish third. 

 Golden Gun is a 10-year-old gelding by Headmaster.  He is owned by the Wiz Kids Stables and trained by Sorenson.  It was win number two of 2020.  He now owns 37 career victories. 

 Truman Gale, Chris Long, and Josh Kinney each had driving the doubles on the night.  Gale won with Ladyyouaregorgeous ($17.60) and Mama’s Gift ($5.10).  Long got wins with Wishyou’dtellme ($10.20) and Johnnysfirecracker ($16.40).  Kinney reach the winner’s circle with Rocknroll Captain ($11.40) and Star Track Hanover ($32.20). 

 As we head to the last weekend of racing Leon Bailey pulled ahead with 44 wins to lead all drivers in victories.  He leads Vernon Downs legend John MacDonald by just one race.  Kerin Warner got a victory and leads all trainers with 18 victories just one ahead of George Ducharme. 

 Just two live racing dates left at Vernon Downs this season.  They will race on Friday (September 25) and Saturday (Saturday 26) starting at 3:00 p.m. 

 For more information go to www.vernondowns.com  

  

CARRYOVERS TOP BIG M ACTION FOR A SECOND STRAIGHT WEEK

 Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – The first full weekend of racing since Hambletonian week saw plenty of action on a pair of popular multi-leg wagers last Friday and Saturday (Sept. 11-12), the result of sizable carryovers, and racing fans will have similar opportunities on a pair of prominent puzzles this week when racing resumes Friday (Sept. 18) at 7:15 p.m.

Last Saturday (Sept. 12), driver Pat Berry, aka “The Blueberry Bomber”, lit up the board with Harambe Deo in the 10^th race at odds of 33-1, which served as the reason that the 20-cent Late Pick-5 and 50-cent Late Pick-4 failed to yield a winning ticket. As a result, both wagers will have sizable carryovers to titillate the palates of those who sample the Big M’s betting menu this Friday.

A week ago, the Early 20-cent Pick-5 had a carryover heading into Saturday’s card, and after $151,228 in “new money” was poured into the pot, the total wager was just over $188,000. Those who correctly selected five winners (there was a 6-5 shot and a 4-5 during the sequence) cashed in for $271.46.

The 20-cent Pick-6 saw almost $14,000 in new action, which ran the total pool to $20,760. Players with winning tickets were singing the praises of trainer-driver Eric Abbatiello, whose superb handling with Like Clockwork led to a score at odds of 20-1 in the anchor leg (race eight). The payoff was $6,222.48.

This Friday, bettors will shoot first for the Late 20-cent Pick-5 (races nine through 13), which has a carryover of $21,811, before getting a rare opportunity by betting into a Late 50-cent Pick-4 with a carryover, which stands at $38,390.

Friday will mark the first time in 2020 that a Pick-4 (races 10 through 13) has had a carryover, thus, it is likely that this will be the biggest pool of the year. On Meadowlands Pace Night (July 18), a total of $191,288 was pushed through the P4 windows for the high-water mark of 2020.

“Carryovers create added interest in our already popular multi-leg bets, which always offer a low 15 percent takeout,” said track Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir. “At The Meadowlands, our fans can always shoot for a big score, and with low-minimum base wagers, players can bet a little and win a lot.”

SUPER SEPTEMBER: From management to patrons, all who follow Big M racing with interest are grateful to Gov. Phil Murphy and the members of the New Jersey legislature, whose efforts to see racing get the money it needs to flourish have shown results.

Last weekend, handle was over $5 million. The last time racing was offered in September – 2017 – handle was $3.4 million over the two race cards. Saturday’s total wager of $2.7 million was up over a million dollars as compared to the Saturday three years prior.

TODD SCORES FOUR: It took driver Todd McCarthy, 27, one night to stamp himself as a player in the Big M driver colony. The younger brother of standout pilot Andy McCarthy won four races – his first four career wins at the mile oval – on Saturday night’s card. For complete details of his big night, click on http://playmeadowlands.com/News.aspx?id=20716.

BET LITTLE, WIN BIG: “Racing from the Meadowlands” TV personality Dave Little had a memorable Saturday night – as did those who followed his picks – by turning three dimes into one big dime.

The former longtime handicapper and columnist at the New York Daily News gave out both the Early 20-cent Pick-5 as well as the Early 10-cent Pentafecta.

The Pick-5 returned $271.46, but since Little had both 6-1 shots who deadheated in the third race, he and his followers had two winning tickets on his $24 bet. The 10-cent Pentafecta, in which Little used three horses in the win position then one more in positions two through five (3x4x5x6x7), proved that a small investment ($24.30) can end in a big payout ($580.70).

In the end, betting $48.30 with Little ended up in a big $1,123.62 windfall. Until, of course, Little failed to hit either of his Pick-4 plays or Little’s Late Double! “You’re only as good as the last ticket you give out,” lamented Little.

The sampling is small, but the average payouts at the Fall Meeting have been impressive. The Pentafecta’s average payoff is $565, the Pick-5’s is $892 and the 20-cent Pick-6 checks in at $4,175.

You can always find Little’s plays, as well as those of Dave Brower, Ken Warkentin and Jessica Otten on Twitter at #playbigm.

FREE STUFF: For free past performances, go to playmeadowlands.com, where one can access races nine through 13 for both the Friday and Saturday programs. Those races include the 20-cent Late Pick-5, 50-cent Late Pick-4 and 10-cent Late Pentafecta, not to mention the Late Daily Double.

TWEET THE TEAM: Stay in touch on Twitter with the Big M’s Brower (@eedoogie), Little (@DaveLittleBigM), Warkentin (@kenvoiceover) and Otten (@JessicaOtten1). Check in everyday for Meadowlands news and updates at those handles, as well as @TheMeadowlands and #playbigm.

CHECK OUT THE PICKS: For those who need to get a leg up on the action, go to playmeadowlands.com to see track oddsmaker and analyst Brower’s selections and commentary. For Friday’s card, click on this link: http://playmeadowlands.com/RaceReviews.aspx?racedt=9/18/2020.

Additionally, track announcer Warkentin’s blog is available on the site and offers his picks and analysis.

On race nights, access picks and plays from the Big M TV team at #playbigm or at @TheMeadowlands.

CHECK OUT THE SHOW: The Big M’s “Racing from The Meadowlands” pre-game show can always be seen on race nights live. On Friday, join the usual team of Brower and Little sitting on the set – socially distanced, of course – giving out Big M news and notes, as well as both Pick-4s during the evening.

Saturday will find Little hosting with Otten in the co-host’s chair. The show kicks off nightly at 6:42 p.m. with a hello from Warkentin, who provides the night’s program changes.

For those looking for access to the show, as well as the live racing, all they need to do is go to rtn.tv, so that they can access all the action on the Roberts Television Network.

ALL THIS….AND SPORTS BETTING, TOO: The Big M’s FanDuel Sportsbook is the place to get all of your MLB, NBA, NHL, WNBA, PGA and NFL action, every day from 10 a.m.-midnight.

EDDIE MILLER WINS GLADA TROT AT NORTHFIELD PARK ON MONDAY

by John Manzi for the Great Lakes Amateur Drivers Association

 Northfield, Ohio—Eddie Miller isn't one who likes to wait especially when he thinks he has a major contender in a race.

Case in point: the $6000 trot in the Great Lakes Amateur Drivers Association Series at Northfield Park on Monday night (9-14) when Miller and Cowboy Country scored a impressive 1:57.2 victory.

“I got away third behind a horse who I thought was rather weak so when we headed to the half I moved off the pylons and set sights on gaining the lead,” Miller related.

Miller had the right idea and his trotter proved him correct .when Cowboy Country raced alongside the leader, Mesmerized (Larry Ferrari) at the three quarters, and the two were neck-and-neck as they rounded the final turn headed for paydirt.

“We came along way on the limb but when we headed down the homestretch I felt my horses was strong and he hung tough all the way to the wire,” Miller added.

The photo proved Miller correct as Cowboy Country was a gutsy head winner over Mesmerized. Three lengths farther back in third place was High Blue, driven by last years USHWA's National Amateur Driver of the Year, Jazmin Arnold.

Sent off at odds of over 6-1 Cowboy Country paid $14.60 for win. He's trained by Miller for owners Rebecca Sugg and Steven Maas.

The next leg in the GLADA Series will be on Sunday, Sept. 20 at Delaware, Ohio.

TODD McCARTHY WINS FOUR AT BIG M

By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – McCarthy, McCarthy, McCarthy, McCarthy!

No, not Andy of Hambletonian fame, but little brother Todd, who stole the show at The Meadowlands Saturday night. The recent Australian invader won four times on the 13-race card to record his first victories at the mile oval.

There figure to be many more to come.

McCarthy, 27, arrived from Down Under at the end of August and has made an immediate impact racing in the States, winning 11 times from 87 starts entering action Saturday.

“Australia was good to me. It’s been great for years,” said McCarthy. “I was the top driver at Menangle Racetrack in Sydney for the last five years. The timing was tricky [to come to the States] the way things are in the world right now, but it was a good time to come over and give it a go. The racing here is definitely faster and a little more aggressive, but so far it’s been great and I’m really enjoying it.”

So did those who bet him Saturday night.

McCarthy got the ball rolling in the third race, finishing first in a dead heat. Guiding A Major Omen, he managed to catch Griffon Hanover at the wire to record his first career Big M win in 1:52.2 in a low-end conditioned pace, paying $7.20 to win. Both horses went off at odds of 6-1.

Somebodyitreasure and McCarthy hooked up to destroy their foes in a non-winners of two pace by 5¾ lengths in 1:49.4 as the 6-5 favorite in race four before Flyingevenbettor N gave McCarthy his third win of the night in the sixth race non-winners of four pace in 1:51.2 as the 1-2 public choice.

Completing McCarthy’s grand slam was 7-1 chance The Bettormack N, who got the better of 3-5 favorite Ocean Colony nearing the finish of race seven. The time for the mile in the mid-range conditioned pace was 1:50.

“I’ve had a good night,” the understated McCarthy said. “With a lot of help from some good horses and some good trainers. I’ve been a lot busier than I thought I’d have been. I think for anyone in the harness racing industry, you look at America, The Meadowlands is the pinnacle. To crack one tonight and then to get a few more after that, it was pretty awesome.”

Big brother Andy has been in his corner. “Andy’s been a key factor in throwing a lot of work my way,” said Todd. “The fact that he’s been away [racing in Canada] has been a help. He’s told some of the trainers, ‘I’m away, you can throw my brother down on something’.”

McCarthy said he plans to race at Philadelphia, Pocono Downs and The Meadowlands in the coming months. “I’ve enjoyed every track I’ve raced at,” said McCarthy.

It shows.

BOMBS AWAY! Driver Pat Berry, aka “The Blueberry Bomber”, was up to his old tricks again, guiding three winners on the card, none close to being the post-time public choice.

Berry scored with Always The Sun ($15.20 to win) in the first race and Imageofarocker ($12.00) in the fifth before saving his best for last, winning with 33-1 shot Harambe Deo ($68.40) in the 10^th.

On March 7, the last night of racing before the coronavirus shutdown, Berry swept the late double that paid $2,700.40 with horses who went off at 47-1 and 27-1.

A LITTLE MORE: With a carryover of $37,159 serving as the catalyst, Early 20-cent Pick-5 players got to shoot for a total pool of $188,387. Those correctly selecting five winners cashed in for $271.46. … With Harambe Deo providing the big upset, neither the Late 50-cent Pick-4 nor the Late 20-cent Pick-5 were hit. When racing resumes, the Late Pick-4 will have a carryover of $38,390 while the Late Pick-5 will start out with $21,811 in the hat. … All-source wagering on the 13-race card totaled $2,744,326. … The Big M’s next live racing program is Friday. Post time is 7:15 p.m.

Lightfootedlegend wins Tioga feature.

 Lightfootedlegend (Renaldo Morales III) steals the $7,000 open trot at Tioga Downs on closing night Saturday (September 5). 

 Lightfootedlegend ($16.00) went to the lead from his outside post and led the group to the first quarter in :27.2.  Prairie Fortune (Wally Hennessey) took command as they went by the stands for the first time.  He led the way to the half in :57.2.  Bj Lorado (Jim Meittinis) was the first to make a move going first-over from third.  Prairie Fortune remained in command as he hit three-quarters first in 1:26.1. 

 As they made the turn for home it looked like Prairie Fortune was going to roll to victory but Lightfootedlegend had other ideas as he slid through an opening on the inside to win in a lifetime best of 1:55.4.  Prairie Fortune had to settle for second best.  Clarion Hall (Mike Merton) came up to get third money. 

 Lightfootedlegend is a 5-year-old gelding by Mr Cantab.  He is owned by David Linker and trained by Dale Gilmour.  It was his third win of the season.  He now owns eight career victories. 

 Leading driver Walley Hennessey drove four winners on closing night.  Renaldo Morales drove three winners on the card.  Joe Skowyra had a training hat trick with three winners. 

 Wall Hennessey won his second straight diving title with 90 wins.  Mike Merton ended up second with 71 tallies.  Corey Braden (26), Tyler Buter (24), and Bruce Aldrich Jr. (22) rounded out the top five. 

 Rob Harmon nailed down the trainer’s title with 44 wins.  Gaston Lareau was second with 34 victories.  Joe “Scooter” Skowyra was third with 32 trips to the winner’s circle.  Jim McDonald (27) and Mike Deters (26) rounded out the top five. 

 Tioga Downs would like to thank all the fans, horsemen, and horsewomen for a successful season even through these are tough times.  We look forward to 2021. 

 For more information go to www.tiogadowns.com