Changes Coming To Meadowlands

Published: January 23, 2015 11:15 pm EST

Meadowlands Racetrack has announced that it will be implementing changes that include suspending ABC classification racing and returning to condition racing in addition to withdrawing its trainer loyalty rewards program.

Beginning with the condition sheet for the week of Thursday, February 5, The Meadowlands will return to condition racing. After meeting with many horsemen and representation of the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey, The Meadowlands race office will respond to the request of the majority of horsemen to return to condition racing.

Additionally, The Meadowlands will be suspending its loyalty rewards program. With the exception of New Jersey Owned and Sired horses, the only factor used to determine preference will be the date of a horse's most recent start. The rewards program was a system instituted in 2014 to provide preferences to trainers who supported the spring and summer racing programs.

The Meadowlands will also card overnight races only at the distance of one mile and only with 10 horses on the gate. However, in the event that a stakes race, early closer or late closer consists of a field of more than 10 horses, that race will be contested with horses starting in the second tier and will be raced at the 1-1/8 miles distance.

A press release issued late Friday evening from The Meadowlands states that "these changes are being made at the urging of New Jersey horsemen and the SBOANJ. The Meadowlands is pleased to work together with its horsemen to ensure the best racing and give the horsemen the best opportunity to race."

“We have always been willing to explore any strategy that would bring about the best possible racing at the Meadowlands,” said SBOANJ President Tom Luchento after meeting with Meadowlands Chairman Jeff Gural on Friday. “Until we have slots revenue, which I feel is not far off, we have to be responsive and creative to whichever concepts will fill the entry box and provide the full, competitive fields that are the hallmark of the Meadowlands. Director of Racing Peter Koch will be issuing his condition sheets to reflect the return to condition racing.

“We hope these changes are reflective of both the needs of the trainers and race office,” Luchento added. “The SBOANJ and the Gural team are partners in making the Meadowlands a success and look forward to a return to the glory days of harness racing in East Rutherford.”

For those with questions regarding these changes, please contact The Meadowlands race office.

(With files from Meadowlands & SBOANJ)

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