By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media
Relations
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Wagering on the Hambletonian Day card at the
Meadowlands was up 14.6 percent over the 2018 program. Both cards saw 16 races,
but this year’s total of $6,501,778 was approximately $800,000 more than the
year before.
The $6.5 million in action was by far an industry 2019 best.
Woodbine at Mohawk Park saw $4.4 million in wagers on March 30 when the track
had a huge Super High-Five carryover on a mandatory payout night. The only
other $4 million-plus handle this year was at the Big M on Meadowlands Pace
Night ($4,044,303).
THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT: Those who stayed with Forbidden
Trade throughout the Hambletonian Future Wager cashed some nice tickets. With
the exception of the first pool ($22.00), Forbidden Trade paid more in legs two
($103.60), three ($40.20) and four ($57.80) than he did in the actual race
($33.80). … The action in the two 50-Cent Pick-4 pools was predictably
vigorous. The pool that covered races eight through 11 saw a meet-best $155,558
put in play, while the second pool (races 13 through 16) had a total pool of
$112,948. … The 20-Cent Jackpot Super High-Five pool on race 11 (the
Hambletonian Oaks) took in a total of $180,236 after the $53,000 carryover was
added to the “live” money. … Harness racing returns to the Meadowlands on Oct.
11.
