Expanded Hambo Coverage On CBS

Published: June 13, 2012 12:58 pm EDT

The $1.5-million Hambletonian, the richest race for three-year-old trotters in the world, will air live from the Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on CBS Sports Network on Saturday, August 4, from 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. (EDT).

The Hambletonian has enjoyed a 37-year run on national television, and remains the only harness race to be broadcast across North America on an annual basis. CBS Sports Network will feature expanded race coverage of 90 minutes.

An NBC production for the past five years, the traditional date for the Hambletonian of the first Saturday in August conflicted with NBC’s production schedule for the Summer Olympics.

“Live television is key in positioning and branding any event in a crowded sports universe." said Tom Charters, president of the Hambletonian Society, which owns and administers the race. “We are proud of the Hambletonian broadcast record and appreciate the commitment of The New Meadowlands Racetrack LLC and the many important industry sponsors in making continuing and expanded coverage possible.”

The Meadowlands has hosted the Hambletonian since 1981, longer than any other track. Formerly run by the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority, the premier harness track in the country was leased in December of 2011 by New York real estate magnate and racetrack owner Jeff Gural.

“I am very pleased that we were able to get support from the industry,” said Gural. “Hopefully people will enjoy our signature race.”

Participating television sponsors include Allerage Farms, Bluestone Farms, Brittany Farms, Fashion Farms, Perretti Farms, Winning Key Farms, the New Jersey Tourism Board, Atlantic City Alliance and the U.S. Trotting Association, Standardbred Breeders & Owners of NJ and the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame, and racetracks Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs.

(With files from the Hambletonian Society)

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