WEATHER WREAKS HAVOC AT BIG M

Saturday, August 3, 2024

A 40-minute delay before the start of the program due to intense thunderstorms, another 40-minute delay due to an inquiry involving several horses, and, finally, a power outage that knocked out a portion of the lights as a result of all of the rain that fell just as the 10^th race was heading to the gate, made for a tough Friday night at The Meadowlands.

Management decided just after 11:30 p.m. it was best for the horsemen, patrons and employees to pull the plug and end the scheduled 14-race program after just nine dashes were complete.

“It was a tough night from start to finish,” said track Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir. “We felt it was best for everyone, especially with our huge Hambletonian Day card set to begin at noon on Saturday, that we call off the rest of the card when we did.”

One of two New Jersey Sire Stakes finals were contested on the program, with the Brett Pelling-trained Reckless Abandon taking the $192,000 event for 2-year-old filly pacers in a lifetime-best 1:51.3.

The daughter of Cattlewash-Reclamation followed a live cover trip for a third straight start, and delivered an easy victory for a third straight start, this one by 4¼ lengths to lift her lifetime record to three wins from four outings, good for earnings of $127,250. Worklifebalance was second with Beach Babe third.

Driver Todd McCarthy guided Reckless Abandon, who returned $2.10 to win as the 1-9 favorite.

The evening’s other featured event, the $240,000 NJSS final for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings, will be rescheduled.

A LITTLE MORE: Yogi Sheridan and Scott Zeron each recorded a pair of victories to lead the driver colony. … All-source handle on the nine races totaled $2,013,875. … Racing resumes Saturday at noon, when a spectacular 16-race card, featuring the $1.05-million Hambletonian, brings down the curtain on the Championship Meet.

PHOTO: Reckless Abandon and driver Todd McCarthy take the New Jersey Sire Stakes final for 2-year-old pacing fillies Friday night at The Meadowlands. (Credit: Lisa Photo)