LAUREN HARMON, LADIES IN LIMELIGHT ON IWD AT BIG M

Thursday, March 6, 2025

The women are taking over The Meadowlands this Saturday (March 8) on International Women’s Day, and Lauren Harmon is excited to be a part of things.

The 24-year-old horsewoman will participate Saturday in an all-female driver’s race on a night that will showcase the ladies of the sport.

International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating women’s social, economic, cultural and political achievements. It also calls for action to accelerate women’s equality.

“This is such a male-dominated sport,” said Harmon. “It’s a great thing that The Meadowlands is doing for us women, who aren’t always recognized or seen as much as the male drivers, trainers and grooms.

“So, it’s great for not only the people inside the business, but also those watching and looking from the outside in. It’s a great spotlight for us women.”

Some of harness racing’s most visible ladies will be at the track that night covering the action from every angle and location as The Big M celebrates IWD with Jessica Otten of Meadowlands TV serving as the host of the live simulcast presentation.

Otten is the sport’s leading national TV presence with her many appearances over the last several years on FOX Sports’ broadcasts of some of the biggest events in the game, such as the Meadowlands Pace and Hambletonian.

Joining her on the Sam McKee Memorial Broadcast Set will be Emily Ratcliff, who is the director of sponsorships and marketing partnerships at The Red Mile. In addition, she is the co-host of the Hambletonian broadcast on the CBS Sports Network and is still part of the on-air talent team at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Jenna Otten, the TV presence from Scioto Downs who has done several FOX broadcasts with her sister, Jessica, will conduct interviews from the back paddock.

The final member of the female broadcast team is Melissa Keith, the track announcer at Canada’s Rideau-Carleton Raceway, who will be on the microphone calling some races during the course of the night. Keith is the only full-time female race caller in harness racing.

Finally, Jessica Hallet, an award-winning photographer who is also currently a columnist at DRF Harness, will be on-site capturing the night’s event with her talented pictorial eye.

“We have stacked the deck with many of the major female players in our sport,” said Meadowlands Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir. “We have a field of 10 for the all-female drivers’ race, and have all broadcast bases covered as well. All of us at The Meadowlands are pleased to have a night like this, because we realize how major a role women play in our sport.”

In addition to Harmon, the nine drivers who will be participating in the fifth race are Christina Grubich, Leslie Joyce, Marianna Monaco, Vicky Gill, Alexandra Sarkine, McKenzie Sowers, Vicki Stratton, Sarah Svanstedt and another Lauren, Tritton.

Harmon said it’s a tough field.

“Someone like Lauren Tritton, she is a great driver, but she doesn’t get as much recognition for what she does,” said Harmon. “She was the first woman driver to be in the Battle of Lake Erie [at Northfield Park] and win it.”

Harmon, who has 43 career driving wins, including one against the “regular drivers” last month at Northfield with 3-2 favorite Solidazabrickhouse, who is trained by her stepmom, will depart from the rail in Saturday’s fifth race.

She will pilot the Ron Burke-trained Oakwoodjusasnob IR, who will be making her second start on North American soil.

“I took a quick look,” Harmon said. “I was a little nervous to look at the draw, but at The Meadowlands, even having the outside, you still have an opportunity [to win]. But it’s always better to draw inside. I’m excited to drive for Ron. I haven’t looked too much into the horse but I’m sure he’ll be ready to go. Whatever Ronnie says, we’ll do.”

IN ADDITION: The evening will include sizzle videos – short promotional videos also known as demo reels, highlight reels, show reels, promo videos, pitch tapes or teasers – and interviews with the industry’s top female trainers, drivers and grooms.

The Meadowlands sends a huge thank you to the event sponsors, Clinton Tractor, Mackenzie Strange with Mackenzie Made (providing gifts for the ladies), Terry Taufner from Corporate Images (winner’s circle blanket) and Oradell Family Dental.

FREE PPs: To show appreciation to its loyal fan base, The Meadowlands offers free program pages for every race of every race card on its website.

Go to playmeadowlands.com, then click on the “news” dropdown to get the past performances at absolutely no cost.

THE SCHEDULE: During the month of March, live racing at The Big M will be conducted every Friday and Saturday with a first-race post-time of 6:20 p.m.

CATCH THE SHOW: Check out the live “Racing from The Meadowlands” pregame show at 5:45 p.m. every Friday and Saturday when track announcer Ken Warkentin opens up the mic with a scene set and program changes.

On Friday, Big M TV’s Dave Little and Jessica Otten will be on the Sam McKee Memorial Broadcast Set, from where the duo will provide news, notes, selections and a look at the night’s featured races.

“THE KID” IN THE SULKY: During Friday’s pregame show, Little will interview 22-year-old driver Brett Beckwith on the next installment of “In the Sulky.”

Beckwith, the 2024 Dan Patch Rising Star Award winner, has won 12 Meadowlands races over the last four race cards.

The segment will begin at approximately 5:50 p.m.

THE BILL OF FARE: Every night, The Meadowlands offers a marvelous menu of popular wagers that offer a low 15 percent takeout.

They are:

• 20-cent Pick-5: Race 1-5
• 20-cent Survivor Pick-7: Races 3-9 (mandatory payout nightly)
• 50-cent Pick-4: Races 6-9 ($50,000 guaranteed pool)
• 20-cent Pick-6: Races 8-13
• 50-cent Pick 4: Races 10-13 ($50,000 guaranteed pool)
• 10-cent non-jackpot Pentafecta (Hi-5): Race 14

TIME TO GET SOCIAL: Everything Meadowlands is available by going on X. You can check in with the Big M team for early changes, racing information and staff selections by going to @themeadowlands or #playbigm.

Stay in touch with The Big M team of Otten (@JessicaOtten1), Little (@DaveLittleBigM) and Warkentin (@kenvoiceover).

A NIGHT AT THE FIGHTS: Come on out to the track on Saturday (March 8) and catch UFC 313 in The Gallery.

The Gallery is a game-day ready destination for live sports, celebrity meet and greets and more. This private room features walls of TVs, plus a central 220″ jumbo screen, as well as its own bar and self-service betting machines.

The featured bout on Saturday pits Alex Pereira, with a record of 12-2-0, against Magomed Ankalaev, 20-1-1, in a light heavyweight matchup.

The main card gets underway at 10 p.m.

A GRAND CONTEST: Calling all handicappers!

The third edition of the 2025 Meadowlands Monthly Handicapping contest takes place on Friday, March 14. The event, which takes place once a month, goes for prize money totaling $1,000.

For those interested in taking part, these are the details:

• There is a $1,000 prize pool and the top two finishers earn entry into a December invitation-only tournament that will go for $10,000 in prize money.
• Contestants must be on-site to participate.
• For complete information, and to enter, go here.

CELEBRATE ST. PATRICK’S DAY: On Saturday, March 15, come to the track and meet a pair of legendary Irish athletes when former New York Jets quarterback Ray Lucas and heavyweight boxing great Gerry Cooney will be on hand to say hello to fans.

Ask them about touchdowns and knockouts when a meet and greet takes place from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Clubhouse Lobby.

There will also be a celebratory St. Patrick’s Day race on the card, sponsored by Mary and Peter Grandich.

WHAT A PAIRING: After meeting and greeting, you’ll probably want a great meal. Well, you’re in luck.

On Saturday, March 15, The Big M will offer the Ides of March cocktail pairing, a four-course meal where each of the four will be paired with a cocktail that will serve as a perfect complement to what you have on your plate.

Tickets are just $55 (plus tax and gratuity).

To buy tickets, go here.

HOOPS HEAVEN: Look out for bracket busting action beginning on Tuesday, March 18, when the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament begins.

There’s no need to stay at home. Come to The Meadowlands and watch all of the action as you bet on the games in the FanDuel Sportsbook.

Check out the full schedule below:

• First Four: March 18-19
• First round: March 20-21
• Second round: March 22-23
• Sweet 16: March 27-28
• Elite Eight: March 29-30
• Final Four: April 5
• NCAA championship game: April 7

For more information, and to purchase tickets, go here.

PARTY ON: Looking to book a corporate event or private party?  The Meadowlands has unlimited event possibilities. The redesigned Gallery with multiple TVs, private bar and balcony overlooking the FanDuel Sportsbook is perfect for game days, watch parties and more.

To book your private party, email alokshin@playmeadowlands.com.

FANDUEL IS FABULOUS: Meadowlands regulars know that if they want action on professional and college sports, all they have to do is head for the FanDuel Sportsbook, which is the No. 1 facility of its kind in all of North America.

It couldn’t be easier to access, as it’s located inside the grandstand at The Big M.

The book has massive TV screens and self-service betting terminals, so watch and wager in comfort while having some great food and drink.

Two of the leading contenders for an NBA championship will go at it Thursday (March 6) in a 10 p.m. tipoff when Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns and the New York Knicks travel to Los Angeles to take on Luka Doncic and LeBron James and the Lakers.

The Lakers are a 3-point favorite who are -148 on the money line. The under/over is 230½ points.

How about some player point props?

These are the odds for the following players to score 30 or more points in the game: Doncic, +116; James, +172; Brunson, +182; Towns, +350.

Whatever the sport, for the latest odds, go here.

The FanDuel Sportsbook is open for business Monday through Friday 10 a.m. – 1 a.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. – 1 a.m.; and Sunday 8 a.m. – midnight.