BIG M NEEDS HORSEMEN COOPERATION

Friday, May 8, 2026

With the current environment sporting skies that are anything but sunny, management at The Meadowlands is hoping to get a jolt of good energy from their horsemen.

“Our handle is down considerably this year, and while we are trying to get casino gaming in the fall, we need our trainers and drivers to help us raise our visibility right now to increase the betting,” said Meadowlands’ Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir.

“At The Meadowlands, we provide many opportunities for the better-known trainers and drivers to go for big money on race cards that we offer on Meadowlands Pace Night and Hambletonian Day, not to mention Fall Final Four/FanDuel Championships Night.”

Settlemoir explained that currently, many of the Big M’s leading money-earning drivers from 2025 have been driving at a higher frequency on Saturdays, but would like them to be there on Fridays as well.

The Meadowlands races weekly on Fridays and Saturdays, with a post time of 6:35 p.m.

“(Track Chairman and Chief Executive Officer) Jeff Gural and I are asking our trainers to list these drivers to participate on the Friday programs, as well as the Saturday cards, and would appreciate that those drivers honor those commitments,” said Settlemoir.

“Having the drivers that our fan base is more familiar with figures to improve handle. With the casino situation still up in the air, we need all of our horsemen to cooperate and help the cause. If everybody gets on the same page, The Meadowlands can flourish while giving these horsemen the opportunity to make a great living at what remains the best facility in the sport.”

CHECK YOUR CALENDAR: The Big M announced earlier this week that a pair of Saturday cards – June 13 and June 27 – will be canceled due to World Cup soccer matches that take place those days at New York New Jersey Stadium (aka MetLife Stadium).

To make up those dates, the mile oval will race on Thursday, June 11, and Thursday, July 2.

All schedule changes are subject to New Jersey Racing Commission approval, which is pending.