by Moira Fanning, for the Hambletonian Society

Cranbury, NJ — The Meadowlands Racetrack, longest-running host track of the classic Hambletonian race for 3-year-old trotters, has set a date of Saturday afternoon (Aug. 5, 2017) for the 92nd edition of the classic event.

The Hambletonian Society, which owns the race, and Jeff Gural, chairman of the New Meadowlands Racetrack LLC, have an existing contract to host the Hambletonian through 2021.

The $1 million Hambletonian, and the companion race for 3-year-old fillies, the $500,000 Hambletonian Oaks, are the richest of their kind currently offered in harness racing, and among the richest worldwide, regardless of breed.

There are currently 350 colts and 347 fillies eligible to make sustaining payments in February 2017 to remain eligible to participate in next year’s race.

“Despite the likelihood that the casino referendum will be defeated, the Meadowlands is fully committed to host the Hambletonian next year on Aug. 5 and continues to expect to fully promote this prestigious race as our signature event,” said Jeff Gural.

Hambletonian day continues to set North American handle and attendance records in the new Meadowlands grandstand, with more than $6.9 million wagered in 2016. The Hambletonian race is also the longest-running live national TV broadcast in harness racing.