Meadowlands Racetrack
Encyclopedia
The Meadowlands Racetrack is a horse racing
track at the MetLife Sports Complex in East Rutherford
, New Jersey
, United States
.
The track hosts both thoroughbred racing and harness racing
. It is known popularly in the region as "The Big M."
s, while the rest of the year features standardbreds, or harness horses.
The advertising
campaign that accompanied the start of thoroughbred racing at the Meadowlands in 1977 was highly sophisticated and well-received, and was chiefly noted for its use of the song "Racing With The Moon," originally popularized in 1941 by bandleader Vaughn Monroe
(alluding to the fact that the racing was to be conducted at night - a circumstance that still pertains, although afternoon programs during long holiday weekends are occasionally put on).
More recent advertising campaigns have included a direct and catchy approach to attending live racing -- "It's All About Being Here - The Meadowlands!"
With its sweeping curves and wide stretches, the "Big M" has been known for exceptional times for harness racing. Opening night at the track featured the fastest harness mile run in New Jersey
to that time, 1:55 3/5 by Rambling Willie
. The world record for a mile by a standardbred, 1:46 4/5 by Holborn Hanover, in rein to George Brennan, was established at the track on August 5, 2006 in a division of the U.S. Pacing Championship.
The Meadowlands Racetrack has been the site of the Hambletonian, the second leg of the Trotting Triple Crown
, since 1981. The 2010 Hambletonian was won by Muscle Massive, driven by Ron Pierce, in a time of 1:51.
Leading drivers in recent seasons have included Ron Pierce, Brian Sears, George Brennan, and Tim Tetrick.
The track is operated by the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority
, also the operator of Monmouth Park.
Sam McKee and Ken Warkentin are the current race callers and announcers for the Meadowlands. Veteran sportscaster Dave Johnson
, the track's lead public-address announcer from its opening until the early 2000s, still does promotional events for the track as its "senior track announcer."
In July 2009, the Meadowlands Rail Line
opened for event service, but is expected to run daily upon completion of the nearby American Dream Meadowlands.
Bruton Smith
, owner of Lowe's Motor Speedway
and other motorsports racetracks, has long had his sights on Meadowlands Racetrack for possible conversion into a short track venue for NASCAR
events in the New York City area. His most recent of several attempts to purchase the track failed in the late 1990s. A report issued in January 2010 by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie discussed the idea of closing the Meadowlands Racetrack and selling it for commercial development or converting it into a NASCAR facility. Governor Christie has considered selling or leasing the racetrack to a private operator or closing it altogether.
The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority currently intends to privatize the racetrack, however a leasing arrangement to Jeffrey R. Gural of Newmark Knight Frank
has been held up in court. The privatization would include $100 million of improvements consisting of a new 2,250-seat grandstand built on the site of the current backstretch
, which is expected to open by 2013. The existing grandstand would then be kept until at least 2014 so it could be used as an event space for Super Bowl XLVIII
.
, the main (dirt) track at the Meadowlands has a one-mile (1609 m) circumference; inside of this is a turf course (used by the thoroughbreds only) which is 7 furlongs (1408 m) in length. With a span of exactly 3/16ths of a mile (302 m) from the top of the stretch to the finish line and a distance of exactly 1/16 of a mile (101 m) from the finish line to the beginning of the first (clubhouse) turn, the dimensions of the track are considered "typical" or "standard" for an American racetrack. The main track is 90 feet (27 m) wide, while the width of the turf course is 80 feet (24 m).
The track is equipped to race at night and most of its races are at night.
The Meadowlands Racetrack, including the main building, horse barns and site, was designed by the Philadelphia architectural firm of EwingCole
(now known as Ewing Cole Cherry Brott), who also designed a number of other track facilities around the world as well as Citizens Bank Park
in Philadelphia (with Populous).
In the middle of the track is a lake, intentioned to resemble the state of New Jersey.
. The following graded
thoroughbred stakes are run at the Meadowlands:
Horse racing
Horse racing is an equestrian sport that has a long history. Archaeological records indicate that horse racing occurred in ancient Babylon, Syria, and Egypt. Both chariot and mounted horse racing were events in the ancient Greek Olympics by 648 BC...
track at the MetLife Sports Complex in East Rutherford
East Rutherford, New Jersey
East Rutherford is a borough in Bergen County, New Jersey. As of the 2010 United States Census, the borough population was 8,913. It is an inner-ring suburb of New York City, located west of Midtown Manhattan....
, New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
.
The track hosts both thoroughbred racing and harness racing
Harness racing
Harness racing is a form of horse racing in which the horses race at a specific gait . They usually pull a two-wheeled cart called a sulky, although racing under saddle is also conducted in Europe.-Breeds:...
. It is known popularly in the region as "The Big M."
History
Opened in the mid 1970s, Meadowlands Racetrack held its first-ever harness race on September 1, 1976 while thoroughbred racing commenced on September 6, 1977. With the exception of the opening season of 1976, autumn has been dedicated to the thoroughbredThoroughbred
The Thoroughbred is a horse breed best known for its use in horse racing. Although the word thoroughbred is sometimes used to refer to any breed of purebred horse, it technically refers only to the Thoroughbred breed...
s, while the rest of the year features standardbreds, or harness horses.
The advertising
Advertising
Advertising is a form of communication used to persuade an audience to take some action with respect to products, ideas, or services. Most commonly, the desired result is to drive consumer behavior with respect to a commercial offering, although political and ideological advertising is also common...
campaign that accompanied the start of thoroughbred racing at the Meadowlands in 1977 was highly sophisticated and well-received, and was chiefly noted for its use of the song "Racing With The Moon," originally popularized in 1941 by bandleader Vaughn Monroe
Vaughn Monroe
Vaughn Wilton Monroe was an American baritone singer, trumpeter and big band leader and actor, most popular in the 1940s and 1950s. He has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for recording and radio.-Biography:...
(alluding to the fact that the racing was to be conducted at night - a circumstance that still pertains, although afternoon programs during long holiday weekends are occasionally put on).
More recent advertising campaigns have included a direct and catchy approach to attending live racing -- "It's All About Being Here - The Meadowlands!"
With its sweeping curves and wide stretches, the "Big M" has been known for exceptional times for harness racing. Opening night at the track featured the fastest harness mile run in New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
to that time, 1:55 3/5 by Rambling Willie
Rambling Willie
Rambling Willie was a harness racing horse, more specifically a bay pacing gelding sired by Rambling Fury and out of Meadow Belle by Meadow Gold. He was trained and driven by Bob Farrington....
. The world record for a mile by a standardbred, 1:46 4/5 by Holborn Hanover, in rein to George Brennan, was established at the track on August 5, 2006 in a division of the U.S. Pacing Championship.
The Meadowlands Racetrack has been the site of the Hambletonian, the second leg of the Trotting Triple Crown
Triple Crown of Harness Racing for Trotters
The Triple Crown of Harness Racing for Trotters consists of the following horse races:*Hambletonian, held at the Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford, New Jersey*Yonkers Trot, held at Yonkers Raceway in Yonkers, New York...
, since 1981. The 2010 Hambletonian was won by Muscle Massive, driven by Ron Pierce, in a time of 1:51.
Leading drivers in recent seasons have included Ron Pierce, Brian Sears, George Brennan, and Tim Tetrick.
The track is operated by the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority
New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority
The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority is an independent authority established by the State of New Jersey in 1971 to oversee the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Originally consisting of Giants Stadium and the Meadowlands Racetrack in 1976, Brendan Byrne Arena was added to the complex in...
, also the operator of Monmouth Park.
Sam McKee and Ken Warkentin are the current race callers and announcers for the Meadowlands. Veteran sportscaster Dave Johnson
Dave Johnson (announcer)
Dave Johnson is an American announcer and sportscaster, best known for his work in horse racing with ABC and NBC Sports and at various race tracks in New York and New Jersey...
, the track's lead public-address announcer from its opening until the early 2000s, still does promotional events for the track as its "senior track announcer."
In July 2009, the Meadowlands Rail Line
Meadowlands Rail Line
Meadowlands Rail Line is a rail line in New Jersey, United States, operated by New Jersey Transit . Trains run between the MetLife Sports Complex and Secaucus Junction, some with continuing service to Hoboken Terminal...
opened for event service, but is expected to run daily upon completion of the nearby American Dream Meadowlands.
Bruton Smith
Bruton Smith
Ollen Bruton Smith is a promoter and owner/CEO of NASCAR track owner Speedway Motorsports, Inc. He was ranked #207 on the Forbes 400 list with an estimated worth of $1.5 billion in 2005, and fell to #278 in 2006. He is divorced with four children...
, owner of Lowe's Motor Speedway
Lowe's Motor Speedway
Charlotte Motor Speedway is a motorsports complex located in Concord, North Carolina, United States 13 miles from Charlotte, North Carolina. The complex features a quad oval track that hosts NASCAR racing including the prestigious Coca-Cola 600 on Memorial Day weekend and the Sprint All-Star Race...
and other motorsports racetracks, has long had his sights on Meadowlands Racetrack for possible conversion into a short track venue for NASCAR
NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
events in the New York City area. His most recent of several attempts to purchase the track failed in the late 1990s. A report issued in January 2010 by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie discussed the idea of closing the Meadowlands Racetrack and selling it for commercial development or converting it into a NASCAR facility. Governor Christie has considered selling or leasing the racetrack to a private operator or closing it altogether.
The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority currently intends to privatize the racetrack, however a leasing arrangement to Jeffrey R. Gural of Newmark Knight Frank
Newmark Knight Frank
Newmark Knight Frank, founded in 1929, is a large independent multinational real estate service firm headquartered in New York City. Newmark Knight Frank and London-based partner, Knight Frank, operate from over 200 offices in established and emerging property markets on six continents...
has been held up in court. The privatization would include $100 million of improvements consisting of a new 2,250-seat grandstand built on the site of the current backstretch
Backstretch
The Backstretch is the area in a horse racetrack where horses are stabled and the training and daily work of maintaining the horses occurs. In many race tracks it will be found directly across the track from the grandstands and may also be called "the other side of the track."-Description:A...
, which is expected to open by 2013. The existing grandstand would then be kept until at least 2014 so it could be used as an event space for Super Bowl XLVIII
Super Bowl XLVIII
Super Bowl XLVIII will be the 48th edition of the Super Bowl in American football, and the 44th annual championship game of the modern-era National Football League . It will be held on February 2, 2014 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey...
.
Physical attributes
Like many racecourses in the United StatesUnited States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, the main (dirt) track at the Meadowlands has a one-mile (1609 m) circumference; inside of this is a turf course (used by the thoroughbreds only) which is 7 furlongs (1408 m) in length. With a span of exactly 3/16ths of a mile (302 m) from the top of the stretch to the finish line and a distance of exactly 1/16 of a mile (101 m) from the finish line to the beginning of the first (clubhouse) turn, the dimensions of the track are considered "typical" or "standard" for an American racetrack. The main track is 90 feet (27 m) wide, while the width of the turf course is 80 feet (24 m).
The track is equipped to race at night and most of its races are at night.
The Meadowlands Racetrack, including the main building, horse barns and site, was designed by the Philadelphia architectural firm of EwingCole
EwingCole
EwingCole is an integrated architecture, engineering, interior design and planning firm founded in 1961 as Alexander Ewing & Associates. Headquartered in Philadelphia, PA, with offices in Washington, DC and Irvine, CA, the firm provides services for project types including academic, corporate,...
(now known as Ewing Cole Cherry Brott), who also designed a number of other track facilities around the world as well as Citizens Bank Park
Citizens Bank Park
Citizens Bank Park is a 43,647-seat baseball park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, part of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, and home of the Philadelphia Phillies. Citizens Bank Park opened on April 3, 2004, and hosted its first regular season baseball game on April 12 of the same year, with the...
in Philadelphia (with Populous).
In the middle of the track is a lake, intentioned to resemble the state of New Jersey.
TV Personalities
- Caton Bredar (1995–1998)
- Brad Thomas
- Mike Curci
- Thomas Cassidy
- Sam McKee
- Dave Brower
- Ken Warkentin
- Gordon Richards
- Matt Carothers (1998)
Racing
Discontinued races at the Meadowlands include the Young America StakesYoung America Stakes
The Young America Stakes is a discontinued Thoroughbred horse race that was run annually at the Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford, New Jersey....
. The following graded
Graded stakes race
A graded stakes race is a term applied since 1973 by the American Graded Stakes Committee of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association to thoroughbred horse races in the United States and Canada to describe races that derive their name from the stake, or entry fee, owners must pay...
thoroughbred stakes are run at the Meadowlands:
- Grade II - Meadowlands Cup
- Grade III - Cliff Hanger StakesCliff Hanger StakesThe Cliff Hanger Stakes is an American Grade III Thoroughbred horse race run annually at Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford, New Jersey during late September/early October. Open to horses age three and older, it is contested on turf over a distance of 1 1/16 miles.Known as the Cliff Hanger...
- Grade III - Pegasus StakesPegasus StakesThe Pegasus Stakes is an American Grade III Thoroughbred horse race run annually in June at Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport, New Jersey.An event for three-year-olds of either gender, it is contested at a mile and an eighth on the dirt, and offers a purse of $250,000.There was no race run in...
- Grade III - Violet HandicapViolet HandicapThe Violet Handicap is an American Thoroughbred horse race held annually during the second week of October at Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford, New Jersey...