Ring In the New Year at the Meadowlands Racetrack

Meadowlands Racetrack

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – The Meadowlands Racetrack closes out the 2021 racing season this Friday, December 31.  Post time is 6:20pm and bettors will have two carryovers to sweeten the pot.  The 20-cent Pick-5 will have a carryover of $38,923 not subject to the already low 15 per cent takeout on the wager. The 20-cent Pick-6 will begin with $6,131 in the pool. 

Fans that come out Friday can also grab a free 2022 calendar filled with photos of 2021’s equine stars. 

Buffet dining is available for $64.95 and includes a complimentary glass of celebratory champagne for those 21 and older.  The menu features a winter salad with shaved Brussels sprouts, pomegranate seeds, pecans and lemon-champagne vinaigrette.  New York Strip steak is on the carving station with garlic-herb tilapia, cheese ravioli and chicken teriyaki rounding out the main courses.  A “Creole favorites” station is also included and is loaded with delicious jambalaya, red beans and cornbread.  Tiramisu, fresh fruit and homemade cookies then round out the meal.

Reservations can be made by calling 201-The-BigM.

Following live harness racing, an enthralling fireworks display will take place to help ring in 2022.

A full list of events can be viewed at PlayMeadowlands.com.  Fans are reminded that due to rising COVID numbers, masks are required (regardless of vaccination status) while inside the grandstand. 

Meadowlands Requiring Masks for Entry

  

Meadowlands Racetrack

 

East Rutherford, NJ - Due to rising COVID cases, the Meadowlands Racetrack and FanDuel Sportsbook will require all staff and guests, regardless of vaccination status, to wear masks while inside the grandstand beginning Tuesday, December 28. 

 

“With COVID numbers on the rise we want to take all precautions to keep our co-workers and guests safe and healthy for the New Year,” stated Jason Settlemoir, GM & COO of the Meadowlands.  “We thank everyone for their anticipated cooperation.”

 

The Meadowlands will continue to frequently wipe down all high touch surfaces throughout the day and also encourage everyone to:

• Socially distance when possible
• Use the available hand sanitizer station throughout the building

Alan Horowitz Memorial at Cal Expo Sunday

By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness

The $20,000 Alan Horowitz Memorial for pacers is the main event Sunday evening at Cal Expo and it comes up one of the most contentious races of the meet, with last week’s second leg winners Hay Hay Alright and Western Devil among the major players.

Watch and Wager LLC has carded 12 races Sunday with first post set for 4:55 p.m.

Next week will see special Saturday and Sunday night cards, January 1 and 2.

Hay Hay Alright comes into the Horowitz having posed for pictures following two of his last three outings for his owner/trainer/driver Ryan Grundy. Overall, the 6-year-old son of Vertical Horizon will be looking for his 22^nd victory from 104 lifetime trips to the post.

Sent off at 7-2 last week while leaving from the outside post in one of two leg 2 divisions, Hay Hay Alright sat back early for Grundy as is his custom. He exploded when tipped very wide off the final bend and swept past the leaders for a length and quarter score with the 1:55 1/5 clocking being just a tick off his career standard.

Western Devil also got the job done while leaving from the outside slot in his division, returning $55 while driver/trainer Nick Roland guiding the Cathy Dessert colorbearer to a neck decision over even-money favorite Gear Upn Go Moe.

The latter was an impressive winner in the first leg and was coming on nicely at the end last week to just miss. The 10-year-old goes about his business for John Schwartz and Kyle Husted, takes his lessons from Quentin Schneider and James Jungquist will guide.

Completing the cast are Frisky Pedro, Northbrook Ron, Fox Valley Hoss, Dancin Lance, Paddy Murphy, Villa for Rent, Machet Time and also-eligible Fox Valley Triton.

 

Silverhill Volo, Mandeville put on quite a show

 

Last Sunday night’s featured Trot saw the veteran trotters Silverhill Volo and Mandeville putting on a great stretch battle, with the former holding safe by a nose over Mandeville.

Silverhill Volo and Mandeville, age 10 and 9, respectively, weren’t the only members of their team eligible for the senior discount at the Sizzler.

Silverhill Volo is owned, trained and was driven by 69-year-old Chip Lackey, while Mandeville is owned, trained and was reined by 76-year-old Longo. By the way, Longo’s next win will be No. 3,000 in his six-decade career.

Mooney Svendsen, who is just 63, rounded things out while guiding the 7-year-old Jesse’s Student to his third-place finish in the contest. A tip of the cap to all involved.

 

                                                       ***

 

Sunday’s Alan Horowitz Memorial is named for a major force in California harness racing and a member of the California Harness Horsemen’s Association (CHHA) Hall of Fame, who passed away in 2017 at age 72.

 

He wore many hats in the business after starting out as a partner with longtime friends Don and Barbara Arnstine and Steve Desomer with a popular $25,000 claimer named Quaker Byrd. Moving on, Alan would eventually become a board member and president of CHHA.

 

In 1994, Alan Horowitz was instrumental in bringing harness racing back to Cal Expo in the form of Capitol Racing and was also its successful general manager. He was serving as Executive Secretary of the CHHA at the time of his retirement and continued to stay in touch with the sport that he loved so much.

 

 

Holiday Hours for the Meadowlands Racetrack & FanDuel Sportsbook

 

 

Meadowlands Racetrack

East Rutherford, NJ - The Meadowlands Racetrack & Winners Bayonne OTW will be closed on Friday, December 24 and Saturday, December 25^th for the Christmas Holiday.  There also will be no simulcasting available at the Meadowlands on Sunday, December 26^th due to the football game at MetLife Stadium.  Winners Bayonne OTW will be open on Sunday for simulcasting to accommodate our race fans. 

 

Live racing returns for the final 2021 card on Friday, December 31^st.  Post time is 6:20pm and features two carryovers.  The 20-cent Pick-5 will have a carryover of $38,923 not subject to the already low 15 per cent takeout on the wager. The 20-cent Pick-6 will begin with $6,131 in the pool. 

 

The FanDuel Sportsbook will be open on Christmas Eve, December 24, from 10 am – 10 pm. The book will be closed on Christmas Day, Dec. 25.  FanDuel will re-open on Sunday, December 26 at 9 am.

 

Information regarding racing, dining and the FanDuel Sportsbook can always be found at PlayMeadowlands.com

USHWA announces Dan Patch Award-winning trotters

From the U.S. Harness Writers Association

 

Six-year-old mare Manchego won the third Dan Patch Award of her career Tuesday as the six 2021 division champions for trotters were announced by the U.S. Harness Writers Association. She was the only repeat winner in the group and joined Ariana G and Buck I St Pat as female trotters with three division crowns in the past 20 years.

 

The other trotters to receive division honors this year were 2-year-old colt King Of The North, 2-year-old filly Venerable, 3-year-old colt Jujubee, 3-year-old filly Bella Bellini, and 5-year-old stallion Forbidden Trade. All five of those winners were named on at least 70 percent of the 146 returned ballots. Manchego edged Atlanta by five votes, with When Dovescry another four votes back, in the remaining contest.

 

Pacer of the Year, Trotter of the Year, and Horse of the Year will be revealed at the Dan Patch Awards banquet Feb. 20 at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Fla. Complete results and vote totals will be included with the announcement of Pacer, Trotter, and Horse of the Year following the banquet.

 

Division winners for pacers were announced Monday.

 

Manchego, who was retired in October, won six of nine races and $421,596. She defeated male rivals in the John Cashman Memorial, becoming the first mare to capture the event since Moni Maker in 2000, as well as the Spirit of Massachusetts, Arthur J. Cutler Memorial, and Maxie Lee Memorial.

 

Her 1:49.4 victory at The Meadowlands in a preliminary round of the Miss Versatility Series made her the first trotter in history to win with a sub-1:50 mile in three different years.

 

Manchego, by Muscle Hill out of Secret Magic, is owned by Black Horse Racing and was bred by Brittany Farms. She was trained by Nancy Takter and driven by 2021 Driver of the Year Dexter Dunn. In addition to capturing honors in consecutive years in the trotting mare division, Manchego was a Dan Patch Award winner at age 2 in 2017.

 

Bella Bellini and Venerable, both from the stable of 2021 Trainer of the Year Richard “Nifty” Norman, were the only trotters to surpass $1 million in purses this year. Bella Bellini hit the board in 18 of 19 starts, winning 11, to lead the way with $1.11 million.

 

Among Bella Bellini’s wins were the Breeders Crown for 3-year-old filly trotters, Hambletonian Oaks, Pennsylvania Sire Stakes final, and Matron Stakes. She finished second by a nose in the Kentucky Filly Futurity and ended her campaign with a third-place finish behind older rivals When Dovescry and Atlanta in the TVG Series Mare Trot final.

 

Bella Bellini, by Bar Hopping out of Bella Dolce, is owned by breeder David McDuffee. She was driven by Dunn.

 

McDuffee, the 2021 Owner of the Year, also shares ownership of Venerable. The filly won nine of 11 races and $1.03 million for McDuffee, Melvin Hartman, Paul Bordogna, and Steven Arnold.

 

Her triumphs included the Mohawk Million, where she defeated a field that included six male foes, the Jim Doherty Memorial, Peaceful Way, New Jersey Sire Stakes final, and Matron Stakes.

 

Venerable, by Walner out of Jolene Jolene, was bred by Maumee River Stables, Black Creek Farm, Martin Schmucker, and Steve Stewart.

 

Jujubee was the top money-earning male trotter this year, with $948,791. He finished no worse than second in 17 of 18 races, winning 14. His victories included the Breeders Crown for 3-year-old male trotters, Kentucky Futurity, Pennsylvania Sire Stakes final, and Phil Langley Memorial.

 

The colt captured the Futurity in 1:49.3 and the Muscle Hill Trot in 1:49.4 to become the first 3-year-old male trotter with two sub-1:50 winning miles.

 

Jujubee was trained by Greg Wright Jr. and driven by Andrew McCarthy and Tony Hall. The son of Creatine out of La Cantera is owned by breeder Jon Erdner.

 

Forbidden Trade led all older trotters in purses, with $595,752. He won five of 14 races overall and closed his campaign with six top-three finishes in seven starts. His victories during that span included the TVG Series Open Trot final and Caesars Trotting Classic. Earlier in the season, he won the Crawford Farms Open Trot.

 

By Kadabra out of Pure Ivory, Forbidden Trade was trained by Luc Blais and driven by Bob McClure and Dan Dube. The stallion, who was Canada’s Horse of the Year in 2019, is owned by Determination and was bred by Steve Stewart.

 

King Of The North led all 2-year-old male trotters in earnings, with $578,915. He won six of 10 starts for trainer Ray Schnittker and driver Mark MacDonald. His triumphs included the William Wellwood Memorial, Peter Haughton Memorial, and New Jersey Sire Stakes final.

 

The colt is owned by Schnittker Ward, Arden Homestead Stable, Nolamaura Racing, and Steven Arnold. He is by Walner out of former Schnittker star Check Me Out and was bred by Schnittker and Steve Jones.

 

Anyone wishing to take out a congratulatory ad in the Dan Patch Awards Souvenir Journal should contact Lynne Myers at myerslex@yahoo.com; sponsorship opportunities can be explored with Shawn Wiles at swiles@empireresorts.com. For tickets to the awards banquet, contact Judy Davis-Wilson at zoe8874@aol.com; to book rooms at the Rosen Shingle Creek, click here.

 

TWO-YEAR-OLD MALE TROTTER
KING OF THE NORTH, colt
Walner – Check Me Out – Donato Hanover
Breeders: Steve Jones, Ray Schnittker.
Owners: Schnittker Ward, Arden Homestead Stable, Nolamaura Racing, Steven Arnold.
Trainer: Ray Schnittker. Driver: Mark MacDonald.
Races: 10-6-1-1. Purses: $578,915. Mark: 1:52.4 at Meadowlands.
Top wins: $505,600 William Wellwood Memorial; $293,450 Peter Haughton Memorial; $200,000 New Jersey Sire Stakes final.

 

TWO-YEAR-OLD FEMALE TROTTER
VENERABLE
Walner – Jolene Jolene – Muscle Hill
Breeders: Maumee River Stables, Black Creek Farm, Martin Schmucker, Steve Stewart.
Owners: David McDuffee, Melvin Hartman, Paul Bordogna, Steven Arnold.
Trainer: Richard “Nifty” Norman. Driver: David Miller.
Races: 11-9-1-0. Purses: $1.03 million. Mark: 1:52 at Meadowlands.
Top wins: $790,000 Mohawk Million; $326,850 Jim Doherty Memorial; $309,680 Peaceful Way; $200,000 New Jersey Sire Stakes final.

 

THREE-YEAR-OLD MALE TROTTER
JUJUBEE, colt
Creatine – La Cantera – Cantab Hall
Breeder: Jon Erdner.
Owner: Jon Erdner.
Trainer: Greg Wright Jr. Drivers: Andrew McCarthy, Tony Hall.
Races: 18-14-3-0. Purses: $948,791. Mark: 1:49.3 at Red Mile.
Top wins: $650,000 Breeders Crown; $561,000 Kentucky Futurity; $253,000 Pennsylvania Sire Stakes final.

 

THREE-YEAR-OLD FEMALE TROTTER
BELLA BELLINI

Bar Hopping – Bella Dolce – Kadabra
Breeder: David McDuffee.
Owner: David McDuffee.
Trainer: Richard “Nifty” Norman. Driver: Dexter Dunn.
Races: 19-11-6-1. Purses: $1.11 million. Mark: 1:52.1 at Meadowlands.
Top wins: $650,000 Breeders Crown; $500,000 Hambletonian Oaks; $253,000 Pennsylvania Sire Stakes final.

 

OLDER MALE TROTTER
FORBIDDEN TRADE, 5-year-old stallion

Kadabra – Pure Ivory – Striking Sahbra
Breeder: Steve Stewart.
Owner: Determination.
Trainer: Luc Blais. Drivers: Bob McClure, Dan Dube.
Races: 14-5-2-2. Purses: $595,752. Mark: 1:51.1 at Meadowlands.
Top wins: $350,000 TVG Series Open Trot; $210,000 Caesars Trotting Classic; $135,000 Crawford Farms Open.

 

OLDER FEMALE TROTTER
MANCHEGO, 6-year-old

Muscle Hill – Secret Magic – Cantab Hall
Breeder: Brittany Farms.
Owner: Black Horse Racing.
Trainer: Nancy Takter. Driver: Dexter Dunn.
Races: 9-6-0-1. Purses: $421,596. Mark: 1:49.4 at Meadowlands.
Top wins: $269,750 John Cashman Memorial; $250,000 Spirit of Massachusetts; $141,250 Arthur J. Cutler Memorial.

 

 

USHWA announces Dan Patch Award winning pacers

From the U.S. Harness Writers Association

 

Three-year-old colt Perfect Sting was a repeat winner and 4-year-old mare Lyons Sentinel also earned a second trophy as 2021 Dan Patch Award division champions for pacers were announced Monday by the U.S. Harness Writers Association.

 

The remaining pacers to receive division honors were 2-year-old colt Monte Miki, 2-year-old filly Niki Hill, 3-year-old filly Test Of Faith, and 4-year-old gelding Allywag Hanover. Division winners for trotters will be announced Tuesday at noon during a broadcast hosted by Harrah’s Hoosier Park’s Emily Gaskin on Facebook and YouTube.

 

Pacer of the Year, Trotter of the Year, and Horse of the Year will be revealed at the Dan Patch Awards banquet Feb. 20 at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Fla.

 

All the pacing winners were named on at least 86 percent of the 146 returned ballots. Complete results and vote totals will be included with the announcement of Pacer, Trotter, and Horse of the Year following February’s Dan Patch Awards banquet.

 

Perfect Sting, trained by Joe Holloway and driven by David Miller, was harness racing’s top money-winner in 2021, banking $1.27 million. The colt hit the board in all 16 of his starts, winning seven and finishing second on eight occasions.

 

Among his wins was the Breeders Crown for 3-year-old male pacers. He was second in six races worth more than $275,000 – the North America Cup, Meadowlands Pace, Tattersalls Pace, Little Brown Jug, Max C. Hempt Memorial, and Cane Pace. Two of the setbacks were by a nose, one by a neck, and none were by more than three-quarters of a length.

 

Perfect Sting joins Tall Dark Stranger, Captaintreacherous, and Somebeachsomewhere as male pacers in the past 20 years to receive Dan Patch honors at ages 2 and 3. The colt, by Always B Miki out of Shebestingin, is owned by breeders Brittany Farms and Val D’Or Farms.

 

Lyons Sentinel was a Dan Patch Award recipient at age 2 in 2019 and picked up her second honor this year at age 4 after earning a division-best $767,233 for trainer Jim King Jr. and driver Tim Tetrick. She won 10 of 19 races and hit the board a total of 16 times.

 

Her triumphs included the Roses Are Red, Lady Liberty, Milton, TVG Series Mare Pace final, Dayton Distaff Derby, Artiscape, and Clara Barton.

 

By Captaintreacherous out of Tutu Hanover, Lyons Sentinel is owned by Threelyonsracing and was bred by Hanover Shoe Farms.

 

The remaining four pacers to receive honors also led their respective divisions in purses.

 

Test Of Faith, who won 14 of 16 starts and finished second in her other two races, made $1.06 million to join Perfect Sting as the only seven-figure earners among pacers.

 

Her victories for trainer Brett Pelling and driver David Miller included the Breeders Crown, Empire Breeders Classic, Glen Garnsey Memorial, New York Sire Stakes final, Park MGM Pace, Bluegrass, Matron, and Courageous Lady.

 

She is owned by Melvin Segal, Kentuckiana Racing Stable, and Eddie Gran. The filly, by Art Major out of Cannae Cammie, was bred by Frederick Hertrich III.

 

Allywag Hanover, who earned $942,000 this season, also was trained by Pelling. He won 10 of 19 races, including the Canadian Pacing Derby, TVG Series Open Pace final, divisions of the William R. Haughton and Sam McKee memorials, and Allerage Open Pace.

 

His 1:46.4 triumph in the Allerage equaled the world record for a gelding pacer. He also equaled the world record for a gelding pacer on a five-eighths track with a 1:47.2 score in the Always B Miki Invitational at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono.

 

Todd McCarthy, who drove Allywag Hanover for the second half of the campaign, was in the sulky for all his top stakes victories. By Captaintreacherous out of Anderosa Hanover, Allywag Hanover is owned by Allywag Stable and was bred by Hanover Shoe Farms.

 

Niki Hill, trained by Chris Ryder and driven by Dexter Dunn, was the top money-earner among 2-year-old pacers, with $904,557. She won nine of 10 races and finished second in her remaining start.

 

Her victories included the Breeders Crown for 2-year-old filly pacers, She’s A Great Lady, Three Diamonds, Kindergarten Classic Series final, and a division of the International Stallion Stakes.

 

The filly, by Always B Miki out of Road Bet, is owned by Tom Hill and was bred by Stephen Dey III.

 

Monte Miki won six of seven races, finished third in his remaining start, and earned $665,276 for breeder-owner Velocity Standardbreds. The colt, by Always B Miki out of Montenegro, counted the Metro Pace and Breeders Crown for 2-year-old male pacers among his triumphs.

 

Scott Zeron drove the Mark Evers-trained Monte Miki on the Grand Circuit following three earlier starts with Josh Sutton in the sulky.

 

Anyone wishing to take out a congratulatory ad in the Dan Patch Awards Souvenir Journal should contact Lynne Myers at myerslex@yahoo.com; sponsorship opportunities can be explored with Shawn Wiles at swiles@empireresorts.com. For tickets to the awards banquet, contact Judy Davis-Wilson at zoe8874@aol.com; to book rooms at the Rosen Shingle Creek, click here.

 

TWO-YEAR-OLD MALE PACER
MONTE MIKI, colt
Always B Miki – Montenegro – Camluck
Breeder: Velocity Standardbreds.
Owner: Velocity Standardbreds.
Trainer: Mark Evers. Drivers: Scott Zeron, Josh Sutton.
Races: 7-6-0-1. Purses: $665,276. Mark: 1:50.4 at Meadowlands.
Top wins: $650,960 Metro; $600,000 Breeders Crown.

 

TWO-YEAR-OLD FEMALE PACER
NIKI HILL
Always B Miki – Road Bet – Bettor’s Delight
Breeder: Stephen Dey III.
Owner: Tom Hill.
Trainer: Chris Ryder. Driver: Dexter Dunn.
Races: 10-9-1-0. Purses: $904,557. Mark: 1:50.2 at Woodbine Mohawk.
Top wins: $600,000 Breeders Crown; $395,395 She’s A Great Lady; $359,450 Three Diamonds; $222,111 Kindergarten Classic.

 

THREE-YEAR-OLD MALE PACER
PERFECT STING, colt
Always B Miki – Shebestingin – Bettor’s Delight
Breeders: Brittany Farms, Val D’Or Farms.
Owners: Brittany Farms; Val D’Or Farms.
Trainer: Joe Holloway. Driver: David Miller.
Races: 16-7-8-1. Purses: $1,273,847. Mark: 1:48.1 at Meadowlands.
Top wins: $600,000 Breeders Crown; $132,360 Little Brown Jug elimination.

 

THREE-YEAR-OLD FEMALE PACER
TEST OF FAITH
Art Major – Cannae Cammie – Cam’s Card Shark
Breeder: Frederick Hertrich III.
Owners: Melvin Segal, Kentuckiana Racing Stable, Eddie Gran.
Trainer: Brett Pelling. Driver: David Miller.
Races: 16-14-2-0. Purses: $1,069,739. Mark: 1:48.3 at Red Mile.
Top wins: $600,000 Breeders Crown; $214,000 Empire Breeders Classic; $207,000 Glen Garnsey; $200,000 New York Sire Stakes final.

 

OLDER MALE PACER
ALLYWAG HANOVER, 4-year-old gelding
Captaintreacherous – Anderosa Hanover – The Panderosa
Breeder: Hanover Shoe Farms.
Owner: Allywag Stable.
Trainer: Brett Pelling. Driver: Todd McCarthy.
Races: 19-10-3-1. Purses: $942,000. Mark: 1:46.4 at Red Mile.
Top wins: $472,000 Canadian Pacing Derby; $350,000 TVG Series Open; $265,400 W.R. Haughton division; $158,500 Sam McKee division; $158,000 Allerage Open.

 

OLDER FEMALE PACER
LYONS SENTINEL, 4-year-old
Captaintreacherous – Tutu Hanover – Western Ideal
Breeder: Hanover Shoe Farms.
Owner: Threelyonsracing.
Trainer: Jim King Jr. Driver: Tim Tetrick.
Races: 19-10-2-4. Purses: $767,233. Mark: 1:48 at Meadowlands.
Top wins: $252,800 Roses Are Red; $191,050 Lady Liberty; $189,600 Milton; $175,000 TVG Series Mare.

Redesigned Meadowlands Website Launching January 1

Meadowlands Racetrack

East Rutherford, NJ - The Meadowlands Racetrack has some exciting news regarding PlayMeadowlands.com.

 

Our current website is now nearly 17 years old and due to a number of technological advancements, the site has become outdated and has started to experience problems behind the scenes which need to be addressed.

 

Our new website will be launching on January 1st and will be a clean, modern design that is mobile responsive.

 

Change is hard but we also hope that you will keep an open mind and enjoy our new look when it is launched.  We also ask for patience in understanding that it will take a few weeks to work out all of the new site kinks. 

 

We ask that as you browse through the new website and find a broken link or a tab that doesn’t work to email us at Media@playmeadowlands.com 

 

We thank everyone for their assistance and we wish everyone Happy Holidays, Merry 

CHIN CHIN HALL WINS AGAIN AT BIG M

By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Chin Chin Hall has been going well for almost four months now, and the 5-year-old gelded son of Cash Hall-Canland Hall brought his ‘A’ game once again Friday night in the featured $42,000 Preferred Handicap for trotters at The Meadowlands, registering his fifth win in his last 11 starts while facing some of the best trotters in the game, both overnight and stakes caliber.

Some of the winners in the six races he has lost during the last third of 2021 include Forbidden Trade, When Dovescry and Ecurie D DK. Chin Chin Hall held his own every time except once, when he left from the second tier. This year at The Big M, he’s won eight-of-21 outings.

“He’s been racing great week in and week out,” said Dexter Dunn, who drove the Nifty Norman trainee for a second straight start. “He really tied me up tonight. I just had to sit there and let him do the work.”

Chin Chin Hall backed off to fifth early after four horses were away from the gate quickly in the seven-horse field. JL Cruze made the lead at the quarter in :27.1 but yielded the point to even-money favorite Dunbar Hall – who was looking for his fourth win in his last five starts – in a leisurely half of :56.1.

Dunn, recently named the United States Harness Writers Association’s Driver of the Year for a third consecutive season, moved ‘Chin Chin’ out of the five-hole just after the half and made his way toward the leaders. “We got away fifth, which was handy enough,” said Dunn.

Dunbar Hall still had the lead at three-quarters (1:24.1) but that edge was tenuous given how well Chin Chin Hall was gobbling up ground while in high gear traveling first-over. Dunbar Hall won a week ago on the front end but couldn’t hack it on the lead for a second straight week, running out of steam through the lane.

Chin Chin Hall surged to command mid-stretch and went on to an easy 1-length score in 1:52. Get Legs finished second with JL Cruze third.

Owned by Oldford Racing LLC and David McDuffee, Chin Chin Hall returned $4.60 to his backers as the 6-5 second choice and upped his lifetime stats to 15 wins from 51 starts, good for earnings of $821,835.

Talk about a horse who has the right connections. He was driven by the Driver of the Year, trained by the Trainer of the Year and owned by the Owner of the Year (McDuffee).

“It’s awesome really,” said Dunn of the trophy-winning natural hat trick. “I’m pretty lucky really, driving for great owners and trainers. It makes my job easy.”

A LITTLE MORE: A modest carryover of just over $7,600 led to a total pool of $55,626 in the 20-cent Pick-6, and despite a sequence where the two ‘longshots’ went off at 7-2 and 3-1, respectively, those who correctly selected all six winners cashed in for $813.10. … Dunn paced the driver’s colony with four victories. … Corey Callahan had a driving triple. … All-source handle totaled $2,408,689. … Racing resumes Saturday at 6:20 p.m. with the next-to-last live race card of the year. The final live program of 2021 takes place on Friday, Dec. 31. … The Meadowlands has no racing on Dec. 24 and 25.

Funicello/Holt Final, Joe Alto Pace on tap

By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness

 

The $10,000 Funicello/Holt Final and the $10,000 Joe Alto Pace, both for pacing fillies and mares, command the spotlight Friday evening at Cal Expo.

 

Watch and Wager LLC will present nine races and things get underway at 6:45 p.m.

 

Off a sparkling victory in one of last week’s two elimination heats, Senga Nightmare figures to be strongly backed in the Funicello/Holt for owner/driver/trainer Ryan Grundy.

 

Making her third start since coming in from Canada, she went a huge mile last week as she settled early, came first over turning for home and finished powerfully to prevail by three lengths over 3-5 favorite Tartan Patch.

 

That 3-year-old filly had her win streak snapped at two in that contest while having to settle for the exacta behind Senga Nightmare. The Vertical Horizon miss is owned, trained and driven by Rene Goulet.

 

Taking them on are Uniquerock, Hurry Home, D Vigilante, Starstruck Cowgirl, Sierra Mystique, Go With Flo, Witch Hunter and Always Glad.

 

The Joe Alto Pace finds Life Isa Shortwalk going for her fourth straight win at the meet for Set The Pace Racing LLC and driver/trainer Nick Roland. She captured the Bill Vallandingham Pace two back and accounted for last week’s Open III distaff event.

 

She will do her work from the outside post in the field of six and will be challenged by Alwaysalittlemore, Jenne Ann, Delightfully Wild, Oneida Blue Chip and Shesureissomething.

 

Roland, Plested showing the way

 

After they both recorded five wins on opening night, Nick Roland and Mooney Svendsen continue to make a steady stream of trips to the winner’s circle while atop the driver standings.

 

Roland recorded four victories last week to bring his total to 23 for the stand, while Svendsen also had four scores, including the narrow victory with Pridecrest in the Joe Lighthill Trot, to give him 15 winning snaphots at the meet.

 

Among the trainers, Kathie Plested is the leader with 11 trips to the charmed enclosure, while Roland is second with 10 wins from just 17 appearances by his performers. 

 

                                              ***

 

Cal Expo pays tribute to Joe Alto, Annette Funicello and Glen Holt with features races on the Friday program.

 

Joe Alto, who passed away in 2011 at the age of 78, was a track announcer for 40 years, including many seasons here at Cal Expo, calling both harness horses and thoroughbreds.

 

Among his many signature calls “You better take a look at” and “They’re coming home now!”

 

Annette Funicello, who passed away in 2013 due to multiple sclerosis; and Glen Hot, who died in 2018, were married for over 25 years and it was through their mutual interest in horses and horse racing that they met.

 

Annette Funicello was a television and movie actress who devoted herself to her family after her career ended; while Glen Holt was a former law enforcement officer and harness owner, driver, trainer and breeder who was a mainstay of California harness racing.

 

BIG M OVERCOMES COVID, AVERAGES $3 MILLION IN HANDLE

Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – It was June of last year when The Meadowlands reopened after a three-month shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

And when it did, there was little certainty.

“We opened with no fans on site and had no idea how our product would be received by a betting public that had been through so much,” said track Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir. “But as we move into the 2021 holiday season, New Jersey and The Meadowlands are standing tall. Breeding is up big time and handle is approaching $270 million for the 2021 racing season, a standard of excellence that has been made possible with the help of Gov. [Phil] Murphy and the New Jersey State Legislature.”

Obviously, The Big M’s loyal following has played a huge part.

“We could not have had the type of year that we’ve had without the loyal horseplayers around the world throwing their support behind The Meadowlands product,” said Settlemoir.

During 2021, nightly average handle on Meadowlands live races is over $3 million. “The only nighttime track of any breed to reach that figure,” said Settlemoir. “And with three nights of live racing remaining this year, it is very likely that our total handle will show an increase of over $100 million as compared to 2018. That season immediately preceded the Governor signing the bill in February of 2019 that cleared the way for a state appropriation earmarked to help the harness racing industry in the State of New Jersey.

“The 2018 season saw an average nightly handle of just over $2 million a night, so it’s easy for everyone to see the amazing progress we have made in New Jersey. The average handle is up $1 million a night.”

PICK-6 CARRYOVER: There were no winning tickets sold in the 20-cent Pick-6 Saturday (Dec. 11) night, creating a carryover of $7,654 when racing returns Friday.

Free past performances for every race of every Meadowlands card are available by going to pleaymeadowlands.com.

OTTEN HONORED: The Big M’s Jessica Otten, usually seen on live race nights doing back paddock interviews, has been named the United States Harness Writers Association’s Lew Barasch Breakthrough Award winner, which honors non-trainer/drivers in the under-30 age bracket.

The track’s Marketing Coordinator, Otten’s face has been seen the most of any harness personality on national television harness broadcasts during 2021. She has been seen on the scene on Meadowlands Pace Night, Hambletonian Day and Breeders Crown Night.

In addition to her interviews, she also appears on the track’s live simulcast presentation, which includes analysis and handicapping, and also serves as host of most of the track’s most popular promotions.

JUST THREE PROGRAMS LEFT: There are three live programs remaining in 2021 at The Meadowlands.

Live racing will take place on Friday, Dec. 17 and Saturday, Dec. 18.

Then, there will be no live racing on Friday, Dec. 24 and Saturday, Dec. 25.

The final live card of the year will be conducted on Friday, Dec. 31, with a fireworks display on tap at the conclusion of the program.

All cards kick off at the usual 6:20 p.m.

There will be no live racing on Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022.

$100,000 GUARANTEED: The Meadowlands’ popular 50-cent Pick-4, which is offered twice nightly, offers players a big promise that a big score could be forthcoming.

On each of the Pick-4s, which are offered on races six through nine and 10 through 13, there is a guaranteed pool of $50,000.

LOW TAKEOUT, HIGH EXPECTATIONS: Plenty of The Meadowlands’ popular wagers that sport a low 15 per cent takeout are available on a nightly basis. They are:

·         Race 1: 20-cent Pick-5

·         Race 3: 20-cent Survivor Pick-7

·         Race 6: 50-cent Early Pick-4

·         Race 8: 20-cent Pick-6

·         Race 10: 50-cent Late Pick-4

·         Race 14: 10-cent Pentafecta/Hi-5

GET SOCIAL: Everything Meadowlands is available by going on Twitter. You can check in with the Big M team for early changes, racing information and staff selections by going to @themeadowlands or #playbigm.

On race nights, stay in touch with Jessica Otten (@JessicaOtten1), Dave Brower (@eedoogie), Dave Little (@DaveLittleBigM), Ken Warkentin (@kenvoiceover), Shades (@ShadesOnRacing) and Edison Hatter (@Edison_1999_).

COME OUT AND PLAY: It’s always best when watching and wagering on the action at The Meadowlands to come out and be there in person, but for those who either live too far away or can’t make it out to the races for any reason, they can still experience the best harness racing in the world several ways.

An affordable way to view not only the action at The Big M, but virtually all harness and Thoroughbred tracks, is to get a subscription to the Roberts Television Network. For more information, go to rtn.tv.

There are a handful of Advance-Deposit Wagering spots where one can wager on Meadowlands races. One such sight where you can make bets and watch the action live is the Television Games Network. For more information, go to tvg.com.

QUINCY RECEIVES…AND GIVES: Former New York Jets wide receiver Quincy Enunwa hosted a U.S. Marine Toys for Tots Holiday toy drive on Friday (Dec. 10) at The Meadowlands and a good time was had by all, especially those who brought a new unwrapped toy, which got them a meet and greet with Enunwa.

 

The toy drive benefitted children at Harlem Grown – a charitable organization in Harlem whose mission is to inspire youth to lead healthy and ambitious lives through mentorship and hands-on education in urban farming, sustainability and nutrition.

 

PLENTY OF ACTION IN “THE BOOK”: The FanDuel Sportsbook, located inside the grandstand inside The Meadowlands, is the place to go for all your football action.

 

On Thursday (Dec. 16) night in the NFL, the defending AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs travel to Los Angeles to take on the Chargers at 8:20 p.m. The Chiefs are a 3-point favorite and are -172 on the money line. The under/over is 52½.

 

The College Football Playoff takes place on Friday, Dec. 31, with a pair of games to determine who will play for the National Championship.

 

In the first game, which kicks off at 3:30 p.m., top-ranked Alabama is a 14-point favorite over Cincinnati. The over/under is 58.

 

At 7:30 p.m., Georgia is an 8½-point favorite over Michigan in a game that has an under/over of 44½.

 

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE: There will be no simulcasting offered at The Meadowlands on Dec. 24, 25 and 26.

 

The hours for the FanDuel Sportsbook are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m.-1 a.m.; Friday 10 a.m.-2 a.m.; Saturday 7 a.m.-2 a.m. and Sunday 8 a.m.-12 a.m. but be aware, for the Christmas holiday, the book will be open on Dec. 24 from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. and closed on Dec. 25.

DAVID MC DUFFEE, NIFTY NORMAN, DEXTER DUNN VOTED DAN PATCH AWARDS BY U.S. HARNESS WRITERS ASSOCIATION

 

HARRISBURG PA – The United States Harness Writers Association (USHWA) has selected David Mc Duffee as the Norman Woolworth Owner of the Year, Richard “Nifty” Norman as the Glen Garnsey Trainer of the Year, and Dexter Dunn as the Driver of the Year in its year-end Dan Patch Awards balloting.

 

All three of the awardwinners intersect at Bella Bellini, the three-year-old trotting filly who was the richest trotter of 2021 with $1,111,500, and the winner of the Hambletonian Oaks and Breeders Crown.

 

For Mc Duffee, this confluence at Bella Bellini must be especially pleasing, as he bred Bella Bellini out of his champion racehorse Bella Dolce; her dam Pizza Dolce, another quality distaff, was co-owned by Mc Duffee. That’s three straight generations of trotting filly power for the veteran of over 50 years of owning and breeding.

 

Mc Duffee is also part-owner of another million-dollar-winning trotting filly, Venerable, whose two-year-old campaign included a triumph against “the boys” in the Mohawk Million. Swingforthefences and Chin Chin Hall were also among Mc Duffee’s top winners of over $3.8M from only 19 horses he owned outright or in partnership.

 

Nifty Norman was the trainer of both Bella Bellini and Venerable, which is a nice way to add $2.1 million in earnings to your best-ever seasonal total, which may still reach $6 million in the closing days of 2021. His stable also clicked at a 21% win rate during the campaign, giving him a third straight season with a UTR over .340.

 

Besides these two star fillies, Norman also conditioned a pair of top-quality three-year-old pacing fillies, last year’s champion Fire Start Hanover and Grace Hill, who each enjoyed $500G-winning seasons despite having to go against both each other and one of the best sophomore sidewheeler crops in recent memory. In all, Norman-trained horses won 15 races of $100,000 of more, with Bella Bellini, Venerable, and Grace Hill winning their respective Sire Stakes championships.

 

The third member of this trio, Dexter Dunn, was voted top driver for the third successive year. This statement is even more impressive when considering that Dexter has driven in North America fulltime for only the last three years after establishing himself as a world-class driving star in his native New Zealand.

 

Dunn has driven the winners of almost $36M the last three seasons, including being #1 this year with a personal best $12.7M figure. Like Mc Duffee and Norman, he gained much of his success in 2021 behind females – in addition to Bella Bellini, Dunn was the regular pilot for Niki Hill, a standout two-year-old pacing filly who won over $900,000, and the trotting mare star Manchego, who lifted her career bankroll over $3M and who was the dominant free-for-all trotter of either sex for the first half of the year and beyond.

 

In all, Dunn won $100,000 races with 15 different horses, who combined charged home first in no fewer than 26 six-figure events.

 

David Mc Duffee, Richard “Nifty” Norman, and Dexter Dunn will be honored at USHWA’s Dan Patch Night of Champions Awards Banquet, to be held on Sunday, February 20, 2022 at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando FL. Those wishing to take out a congratulatory ad in the Souvenir Journal should contact Lynne Myers at myerslex@yahoo.com; sponsorship opportunities can be explored with Shawn Wiles at swiles@empireresorts.com. For tickets for the Awards Banquet, contact Judy Davis-Wilson at zoe8874@aol.com; to book rooms at the Rosen Shingle Creek, go to the USHWA website, where in the middle of the first page is a link directly into their reservations computer.     

 

Ring in the New Year at the Meadowlands Racetrack

 Meadowlands Racetrack

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Celebrate the New Year at the Meadowlands Racetrack with a night filled with racing, food and fireworks!

On Friday, December 31^st beginning at 6pm, guests can receive a free 2022 calendar filled with photos of 2021’s equine stars.  Live racing then kicks off at 6:20pm.

Buffet dining is available for $64.95 and includes a complimentary glass of celebratory champagne for those 21 and older.  The menu features a winter salad with shaved Brussels sprouts, pomegranate seeds, pecans and lemon-champagne vinaigrette.  New York Strip steak is on the carving station with garlic-herb tilapia, cheese ravioli and chicken teriyaki rounding out the main courses.  A “Creole favorites” station is also included and is loaded with delicious jambalaya, red beans and cornbread.  Tiramisu, fresh fruit and homemade cookies then round out the meal.

Reservations can be made by calling 201-The-BigM.

Following live harness racing, an enthralling fireworks display will take place to help ring in 2022.

 

KEN WEINGARTNER SELECTED MEMBER OF THE YEAR BY USHWA

 

HARRISBURG PA – Ken Weingartner, Media Relations Manager for the United States Trotting Association and a 2019 electee into the Communicators Hall of Fame, has been named Member of the Year of the United States Harness Writers Association (USHWA) by a committee of former winners of the award.

 

“I can think of no one more deserving than Ken Weingartner to be named USHWAn of the Year,” said Kim Rinker, USHWA President. "Ken is reticent to toot his own horn, but has provided help and exposure a thousand times over for countless members of the harness racing community. He truly is a standout member of our organization." 

 

Weingartner first went to the harness races with his father “before I could walk,” and upon returning to his native New Jersey after college and early newspaper work, his harness racing stories attracted the attention of the USTA, and Weingartner worked for the organization to the title he holds today. Ken  writes feature stories along with previews and reviews of major races, and also is the point man for the weekly Top Ten ranking of star equines.

 

For USHWA, Weingartner, entering his twentieth year of membership in the organization, serves as the secretary of his New Jersey Chapter. He also serves as the Webmaster of the group’s online site (usharnesswriters.com). Ken has been a longtime chairman of the Broadcasters Awards committee, which yearly honors outstanding journalism, and a co-chair of the Clyde Hirt Workshop Committee, which exposes budding communicators to promulgating the sport during Hambletonian Week.

 

In addition to his election to the Communicators Hall of Fame, Weingartner has been honored with the Allen Finkelson Golden Pen Award for excellence in harness racing publicity, and also by Harness Horsemen International.

 

Ken Weingartner will be honored at USHWA’s Dan Patch Night of Champions Awards Banquet, to be held on Sunday, February 20, 2022 at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando FL. Those wishing to take out a congratulatory ad in the Souvenir Journal should contact Lynne Myers at myerslex@yahoo.com; sponsorship opportunities can be explored with Shawn Wiles at swiles@empireresorts.com. For tickets for the Awards Banquet, contact Judy Davis-Wilson at zoe8874@aol.com; to book rooms at the Rosen Shingle Creek, go to the USHWA website, where in the middle of the first page is a link directly into their reservations computer.

HITTING .300 AT THE BIG M PROOF YOU’RE A BIG LEAGUER

Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – In Major League Baseball, one of the hurdles one must clear to be considered as one of the game’s best is to have a batting average of .300. Have success three out of every 10 trips to the plate and you might just end up in the Hall of Fame.

The .300 mark is also one to be envied by those who compete night in and night out at The Meadowlands, as in UDRS (Universal Driver Rating System), a mathematical analysis of how well one is performing, based on how often they finish in the money (first, second or third).

It’s not as if drivers don’t reach the .300 UDRS mark often in harness racing, because they do. What they don’t do, is do it very often at the top venue in the sport, The Meadowlands.

Two of The Big M’s top pilots have a shot at the .300 mark for 2021, and their names will surprise no one who follows the harness game.

Dexter Dunn, the 32-year-old New Zealand transplant who is seeking his third consecutive United States Harness Writers Association Driver of the Year trophy, sits atop the standings at The Meadowlands with 156 wins and earnings of $5,280,629. His win percentage is strong at 19 as is his in-the-money percentage of 45. His UDRS stands at .304.

Newly-minted Hall of Famer Tim Tetrick, a 40-year-old who was born in Illinois, also has a UDRS of .304 and his win percentage is a hair lower than Dunn’s, at 18. His in-the-money rate matches Dunn’s at 45. Where Tetrick leads the pack is earnings per start, where his total Big M bank account of $4,074,451 averages out to a track-best $7,989 per drive.

“There are only six racing cards left in the 2021 season,” said Big M Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir. “So it will be exciting to see if Dexter and Timmy can finish the 2021 season ‘batting’ over .300.”

THE WAY TO THE HALL OF FAME? Following is a list of drivers who have compiled a UDRS of at least .300 at The Meadowlands since 2016:

·         2020: Dunn, .326; Yannick Gingras, .312

·         2019: Gingras, .340; Tetrick, .313

·         2018: Gingras, .341; Andrew McCarthy, .308; Dave Miller, .300

·         2017: Gingras, .340

·         2016: Miller, .315; Gingras, .310

It should come as no surprise that from the above list, Tetrick and Miller are already in the Hall of Fame, and Gingras will be inducted this July. Does the same honor await Dunn and McCarthy down the road?

THE FINAL SIX: There are just six live racing programs left in 2021 on the Meadowlands calendar. Racing will be conducted on Thursday, Dec. 9, Friday, Dec. 10 and Saturday, Dec. 11 this week. Next week, live cards will take place on Friday, Dec. 17 and Saturday, Dec. 18. Live racing will then go dark until New Year’s Eve, Friday, Dec. 31.

Post time for all the programs is 6:20 p.m. At the conclusion of the Dec. 31^st card, there will be a huge fireworks display to ring in 2022.

FREE PROGRAMS! Talk about a great deal! Free program pages for every race of every Meadowlands race card are always available. Just go to playmeadowlands.com to access the no-cost past performances.

SHAKE IT UP: This is a “Shuffle the Deck” weekend at The Big M.

On Thursday (Dec. 9), the voice of Freehold Raceway, Edison Hatter, will call the nine-race card.

On Friday (Dec. 10), Jessica Otten will be on set alongside show host Dave Little, while on Saturday (Dec. 11), Shades Demsky will be up front serving as co-host next to Dave Brower.

The “Racing from The Meadowlands” live simulcast pre-game show gets underway on live race nights at 5:47 p.m.

IN THE SULKY: Also on Friday, Little will interview 18-year-old driver Brett Beckwith on the track’s “In the Sulky”, which is part of the pre-game show. Beckwith recorded his first career Meadowlands win a week ago.

GUARANTEES AND LOW TAKEOUTS: The Meadowlands is the industry leader when it comes to handle and much of that success can be attributed to the opportunities that players enjoy when betting at The Big M.

The extremely popular 50-cent Pick-4 will offer a guaranteed pool of $25,000 on Thursday night when the wager is offered on races six through nine. On Friday and Saturday, the pool promise will double to $50,000 each time the bet is available, on races six through nine and 10 through 13 both nights.

The Pick-4 is one of a handful of bets that offer a low takeout of 15 percent. The other wagers include the 20-cent Pick-5, 20-cent Survivor Pick-7, 20-cent Pick-6 and 10-cent Superfecta/Hi-5. Last week, the Pick-6 pool grew to over $100,000 on Thursday after a double carryover.

GET SOCIAL: Everything Meadowlands is available by going on Twitter. You can check in with the Big M team for early changes, racing information and staff selections by going to @themeadowlands or #playbigm.

On race nights, stay in touch with Jessica Otten (@JessicaOtten1), Dave Brower (@eedoogie), Dave Little (@DaveLittleBigM), Ken Warkentin (@kenvoiceover), Shades (@ShadesOnRacing) and Edison Hatter (@Edison_1999_).

WHO DOES BROWER LIKE? For expert selections and analysis of every Big M card, check out track oddsmaker Dave Brower’s race reviews.

For Brower’s input, which is generally available 48 hours before every card, go to playmeadowlands.com, then click on the “handicapping” tab and go to “race reviews”.

TOYS FOR TOTS: Former New York Jets wide receiver Quincy Enunwa will host a U.S. Marine Toys for Tots Holiday toy drive on Friday (Dec. 10) at The Meadowlands from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

 

Enunwa will meet and greet guests who bring a new unwrapped toy. WPIX-11 sportscaster Justin Walters will be onsite for this special event.

 

Toys for Tots and Enunwa will personally deliver the collected toys to children at Harlem Grown – a charitable organization in Harlem whose mission is to inspire youth to lead healthy and ambitious lives through mentorship and hands-on education in urban farming, sustainability and nutrition.

 

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL: The FanDuel Sportsbook, located in the grandstand at The Meadowlands, is one of the leading facilities of its type in the country, and pro football bettors will have the chance to bet on both Thursday’s NFL game and the best in harness racing on Dec. 9.

The Minnesota Vikings host the Pittsburgh Steelers and are a 3-point favorite in the game that kicks off at 8:20 p.m. If you prefer the money line, the Vikings are -176. The under/over is 43½ points.

NEW YEAR’S EVE ACTION: The College Football Playoff, the pigskin version of The Final Four, takes place on Saturday, Dec. 31, and football fans who crave action can get all they want in the FanDuel Sportsbook anytime between now and kickoff.

In the first semifinal matchup, Alabama is a 14-point favorite over Cincinnati in a game that gets underway at 3:30 p.m. Alabama is -620 on the money and the under/over is 58.

The second game kicks at 7:30 p.m. and Georgia is -8½ over Michigan. Georgia is -325 on the money line and the under/over is 44½.