East Rutherford, NJ — Wagering on the Hambletonian Day card at The Meadowlands was up 14.6 percent over the 2018 program. Both cards saw 16 races, but this year’s total of $6,501,778 was approximately $800,000 more than the year before.

The $6.5 million in action was by far an industry 2019 best. Woodbine Mohawk Park saw $4.4 million in wagers on March 30 when the track had a huge Super High-5 carryover on a mandatory payout night. The only other $4 million-plus handle this year was at the Big M on Meadowlands Pace Night ($4,044,303).

The Future Is Bright: Those who stayed with Forbidden Trade throughout the Hambletonian Future Wager cashed some nice tickets. With the exception of the first pool ($22.00), Forbidden Trade paid more in legs two ($103.60), three ($40.20) and four ($57.80) than he did in the actual race ($33.80).

The action in the two 50-cent Pick-4 pools was predictably vigorous. The pool that covered races eight through 11 saw a meet-best $155,558 put in play, while the second pool (races 13 through 16) had a total pool of $112,948.

The 20-cent Jackpot Super High-Five pool on race 11 (the Hambletonian Oaks) took in a total of $180,236 after the $53,000 carryover was added to the “live” money.

Harness racing returns to the Meadowlands on Oct. 11.