East Rutherford, NJ - As Meadowlands Racing
& Entertainment prepares for its grand opening, a look back on the final
season raced in the original grandstand reveals inspiring results. The
Meadowlands raced 72 days from December 27, 2012 through Hambletonian Day,
August 3, 2013 and The Meadowlands can proudly announce that total handle for
the 72 days surpassed $204 Million. The average handle per night was
$2,843,203.
“After receiving the
final numbers, seeing our handle exceeded $200 Million is something all of
harness racing can be proud of,” said Director of Racing Operations Darin
Zoccali. “This past season was a transition year for us and to have had
the type of success we had is extremely promising. On the heels of one of
best racing seasons at The Meadowlands in years, we are obviously all extremely
excited to see what 2014 and the new Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment
will bring.”
Compared to 2012, the
total handle, despite racing six less days, yielded an increase of over $44
Million, or 28-percent. The average daily handle of $2,843,203 was an
increase of more than $700,000 over the average daily handle in 2012, or
33-percent.
“We did a lot of things
differently this past year,” said General Manager Jason Settlemoir. “We
got rid of the notion that change cannot be positive because the way things
have always been done takes precedent. From changes to our wagering
format, to pursuing bigger bettors, making an integrity-driven product our top
priority, dramatically increasing event marketing and providing outstanding
customer service, this past season has provided a template for our future
success. Now, adding all of that to a brand new, state of the art
facility, we cannot wait to see what 2014 will bring.”
Meadowlands Racing &
Entertainment has its Grand Opening on Saturday November 23rd, with
first post time at 7:15 P.M. The opening night program features
eliminations for the Fall Final Four and the final preliminary legs of the TVG
Free For All Championships.
Thanksgiving weekend
features cards on both Friday November 29th and Saturday November 30th.
The November 30th card will be one of the best of the year for the
sport of harness racing with Finals of the Nadia Lobell, Moni Maker, Fall Final
Four and TVG Free For All Championships. Purses for the evening will
surpass $3 Million. In addition, Horse of the Year will be on the line as Bee A
Magician looks to put a bow on an undefeated season, while Captaintreacherous
hopes to defeat the best Free For All Pacers in the world. It will be a
night to remember. Visit www.PlayMeadowlands.com for details.
