Meadowlands to pay all starters in overnight races

East Rutherford, NJ – The Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of NJ Board have at the suggestion of The Meadowlands, approved a pilot program to pay 3% of the harness racing purse to those whose horses finish from 5th to last in all overnight races (excluding the MADC races which will continue their current format which has included this policy for years).

The purse distribution percentages will be adjusted to cover the cost and change with the number of starters.

For reference, to date in 2024 there have been 217 (non MADC) races comprised of 1965 (estimated) starters with 846 or 43% of those receiving nothing for their efforts.

Over the past two years Meadowlands handle has been buoyed by full fields. Recognizing that the racing is ultra-competitive and that 10 horse fields have previously resulted in 5 connections receiving no money for their efforts, the hope is that helping to defray the cost of bringing a horse to race will keep horses racing here during the most competitive time of the year in the region.

This project begins with the races of March 15 & 16 and will continue through June 1 at which time the effect will be evaluated, and a decision made on its future.

From The Meadowlands