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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Everyone throughout harness racing has been mourning the loss of longtime Meadowlands lead TV personality, harness racing morning-line odds maker and program analyst Dave Brower, who passed away on Oct. 7 at the age of 53.
On Saturday (Nov. 12), those who knew Brower well, or were just among the many who thought highly of his talent, can come out and say goodbye at Brower’s “Celebration of Life”, which will take place at 5:30 p.m. in the Big M winner’s circle. For those who cannot attend, they can watch live on rtn.tv (Racetrack Television Network).
“We continue to mourn the loss of Dave Brower,” said Meadowlands’ Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir. “But on Saturday night, we can put our sadness aside, for at least a little while, and pay tribute to Dave with his family and friends coming to the track and swapping happy memories and stories about someone who not only meant an awful lot to us at The Meadowlands, but to the entire industry as well.”
Social media has blown up for five weeks with tributes to Brower. Three TV personalities who worked a lot with Brower had heartfelt sentiments about their fallen friend.
Dave Little, co-host on “Racing from The Meadowlands”: “As good as Brower was, he always made it his business to tell everybody else how good they were. That was the essence of Dave Brower. Whatever the pursuit, he was the best guy in the room, but he was always busy telling everyone else how good they were.”
Gabe Prewitt, co-host on the Red Mile simulcast: “We are devastated by the passing of our co-worker and dear friend Dave Brower. The worst day imaginable. He will be greatly missed and forever in our thoughts.”
Gary Seibel, co-host on many national Hambletonian broadcasts: “I know I join thousands in and out of the horse racing world who are in complete shock and totally devastated by the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Dave Brower. You will be sorely missed. Rest In Peace.”
KINDERGARTEN FINALS: Two-year-olds will be in the spotlight on Saturday’s card, with four Kindergarten Series finals. Those dashes – with purses totaling just over $1 million – are:
- $279,290 Filly Trot: Mambacita will try to avenge her defeat at the hands of Bond in last week’s final preliminary.
- $268,180 Colt and Gelding Trot: Volume Eight looks to up his win streak to four for trainer Noel Daley. Last week, the son of Chapter Seven broke early, gave up a ton of ground heading to the quarter before rebounding with a remarkable score.
- $233,970 Colt and Gelding Pace: Loubet impressed in last week’s fourth leg, scoring for fun in just his third lifetime outing.
- $238,810 Filly Pace: Bellisima Hanover is the one to beat while Cultured looks for a minor upset off a fourth-leg win.
DON’T MISS THIS: After Hambletonian Day and Meadowlands Pace Night, the next biggest race card of the year at The Meadowlands is Fall Final Four/TVG Finals Night, which takes place on Saturday, Nov. 26.
That evening, eight events make up the last major night of the harness racing year. Two-year-olds will be in the spotlight in four $400,000 (est.) dashes: the Governor’s Cup (male pace), Three Diamonds (filly pace), Valley Victory (male trot) and Goldsmith Maid (filly trot).
In addition, there will be four TVG Finals: the $350,000 (est.) 3&up Pace, $350,000 (est.) 3&up Trot, $175,000 (est.) 3&up F&M Pace and $175,000 (est.) 3&up F&M Trot. Estimated purses for the stakes events total $2.65 million.
Divisional honors will be up for grabs as the stakes eight-pack will go a long way helping voters determine who will walk away with those trophies.
Bulldog Hanover, as he has in virtually all his starts this year, will be the main attraction. The aged pacing superstar, who has already clinched Horse of the Year honors, will compete for the final time in his career in the TVG Open Pace.
Another horse that history will look upon in a bright light, the great Atlanta, will also be making her final lifetime appearance. The career earner of more than $3 million will look for one more big score in one of the TVG trotting events.
WHAT’S AHEAD? On Saturday (Nov. 12), come to the track for the races and some great music when you experience the ultimate Elton and Elvis Tribute Show. Ralph Carey performs the songs of Elvis Presley while Russ Davis does Elton John.
Each performer will do one set solo, and the duo will come back and play a set together. All the music will be backed by a live band.
For tickets, click here.
If you opt for dinner and the show, the buffet starts at 5:30 p.m. and the music begins at 8 p.m. The music ends at approximately 10 p.m. Dinner and show take place in Trackside, which is on the ground floor of the track.
AND THE WEEK AFTER? On Saturday, Nov. 19, get a head start on your holiday shopping by entering The Big M’s Black Friday Gift Card Sweepstakes. Winning gift cards will be valued at $50, $100, $250 and $500.
BRING JOY, BRING A TOY: Bring a new, unwrapped toy to the track to give a child in need some happiness this holiday season, and if you do, you’ll get a $5 betting voucher.
The Big M’s “Toys for Tots” drive begins Nov. 22 and runs through Dec. 9. On the 9th, former New York Jets wide receiver Quincy Enunwa will be on hand from 7-9 p.m. helping the U.S. Marine Corps collect gifts before he personally delivers them to Harlem Grown – an organization whose mission it is to inspire youth to lead healthy and ambitious lives. Justin Waters from PIX-11 will serve as master of ceremonies.
CHECK OUT THE SHOW: On Friday night, don’t forget to check out the live “Racing from The Meadowlands” pregame show. It begins at 5:45 p.m.
The on-set team of Dave Little and Jessica Otten will give updates on what’s happening in the sport and talk at length about that evening’s featured races.
Things will be different than usual on Saturday, as the Dave Brower “Celebration of Life” – which will begin at 5:30 p.m. – will take place instead of the usual pregame show.
FREE PROGRAMS: Free past performances for every race of every Meadowlands program are available 48 hours before a given card. To access the no-cost official program pages, click here.
LOW TAKEOUT, BIG POOLS: The Meadowlands offers plenty of value to the bettor with six wagers nightly that offer low 15 percent take outs, plus two that offer a guaranteed pool of $50,000. They are:
- Race 1: 20-cent Pick-5
- Race 3: 20-cent Survivor Pick-7
- Race 6: 50-cent Pick-4 ($50,000 guaranteed pool)
- Race 8: 20-cent Pick-6
- Race 10: 50-cent Pick-4 ($50,000 guaranteed pool)
- Race 14: 10-cent Hi-5
GET YOUR FOOTBALL ACTION: Thursday (Nov. 10) Night Football will take center stage in the FanDuel Sportsbook, the No. 1 facility of its type in the country, inside the grandstand at The Meadowlands.
The visiting Atlanta Falcons are a 2½-point favorite over the Carolina Panthers. The game has an under/over of 41½ and will kickoff at 8:15 p.m.
On Sunday (Nov. 13), the New York Giants host the Houston Texans in a 1 p.m. start. The Giants are a 5½-point favorite in the game that has an under/over of 40½.
The New York Jets, off a win over the Buffalo Bills, have their bye week.
Hours for the book are Monday through Thursday 10 a.m.-1 a.m.; Friday 10 a.m.-2 a.m.; Saturday 7 a.m.-2 a.m.; and Sunday 8 a.m.-midnight.
From The Meadowlands
