Meadowlands Race Track loses Gem Harness Event

Can't say I'm surprised. Attendance is probably half of what it was back in the 80's & 90's when I used to go every year.

Evidently NJ had an opportunity to renew last year as the exclusive host but chose not to. Either incompetency or they didn't want it any more. My bet is on the former.

NIL BAD said:

Can't say I'm surprised. Attendance is probably half of what it was back in the 80's & 90's when I used to go every year.

Evidently NJ had an opportunity to renew last year as the exclusive host but chose not to. Either incompetency or they didn't want it any more. My bet is on the former.

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Seems reason the Meadowlands opted out was their claim of need for casino at the track in order for them to make competitive bid, while a casino would obviously help them with revenue, not sure if they truly needed that to financial bid to host the race. Before vote, was thought that Meadowlands was still going to retain, so they might have bluffed and lost. The track in Indiana is owned by large casino operator Caesars and does have a full service casino.

Jeff Gural has made tons of mistakes. While he has tried to clean up the sport and I applaud his efforts his vision of harness racing does not fit with entertainment today. He is hell bent on a casino like his Tiago downs and is the only way he can survive long term. Why spend 120 million on a new building when the state does not fully support horse racing like NY does. He didn't even support sports betting when the thoroughbred horsemen pushed for it. Now his track his the largest sports book in wagering and without it he qould be out of business Hambeltonian or no Hambletonian.