East Rutherford, NJ – The start of Sunday racing and the first of 11 editions of the 2026 Meadowlands Monthly Handicapping Contest are the highlight happenings at The Big M this weekend.
The first of four consecutive three-program race weeks kicks off Friday (Jan. 9) night. Racing will then take place on the usual Saturday (Jan. 10) evening before the initial Sunday (Jan. 11) card is held.
Post time on Friday and Saturday is 6:20 p.m. (EST), while Sunday’s program gets underway at 12:30 p.m.
After Friday’s opportunity-to-make-a-score-filled 14-race program, Saturday’s card will offer more of the same. In addition, Saturday will mark the first edition of the Meadowlands Monthly Handicapping Contest.
There will be $1,000 in prize money up for grabs in the monthly competitions as well as two spots in the end-of-year, invitation-only contest, where only the 22 monthly qualifiers will be eligible to participate in the $10,000 battle. For additional details, click here. To register for the contest, click here.
Sunday will offer a 14-race matinee card that is sure to be a hit with football fans, as harness racing bettors can double up and wager on the NFL playoffs as the trotters and pacers go at it on the track. Patrons can watch and wager on the NFL games in the FanDuel Sportsbook.
Right around the same time as the second race at The Big M, the Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars will face off in Jacksonville. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. At the tail-end of the race card, the San Francisco 49ers will pay a visit to the City of Brotherly Love and take on the Philadelphia Eagles at 4:30 p.m.
“Being able to offer a variety of choices is what makes a day or night at The Meadowlands a complete experience,” said track Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir. “The first three of our Sunday race cards will have NFL playoff action for our patrons to enjoy and the handicapping contest was a home run last year and we are hoping for more of the same in 2026.”
To make the day extra special, patrons can head to the Big M’s Pink Restaurant for a sumptuous Sunday Brunch Buffet for just $39.95 (plus tax and gratuity). For reservations, call 201-THE BIG M. To take a look at the brunch menu, click here.
WHO’S DOING THE SHOW? This weekend, Mike Bozich, the longtime track announcer at Harrah’s Philadelphia, will serve as co-host of The Big M’s live simulcast show for all three programs alongside Dave Little.
Ken Warkentin will be in his usual spot atop the stands calling the action. Joe Romanelli will handle back-paddock interviews and FanDuel TV (FDTV) commentary and selections on Friday and Saturday while Gary DiLeo will handle those chores on Sunday.
THE SCHEDULE: During the month of January, live racing will be conducted on a Friday-Saturday-Sunday basis. Post time on Friday and Saturday is 6:20 p.m. while Sunday racing will begin at 12:30 p.m. The fourth and final Sunday race card takes place on Feb. 1.
GET YOUR FREE PROGRAMS: 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.
A GREAT WAY TO PLAY: Every night, The Meadowlands offers a marvelous menu of popular wagers that offer a low 15 percent takeout. Here is the rundown of when these wagers will be offered on this weekend’s programs:
· Races 1-5: 20-cent Pick-5
· Races 3-9: 20-cent Survivor Pick-7 (mandatory payout nightly)
· Races 6-9: Early 50-cent Pick-4 ($50,000 guaranteed pool on Friday and Saturday)
· Races 8-13: 20-cent Pick-6
· Races 10-13: Late 50-cent Pick 4 ($50,000 guaranteed pool on Friday and Saturday)
· Race 14: 10-cent non-jackpot Pentafecta (Hi-5)
A SOCIAL SETTING: 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 talent duo of Little (@DaveLittleBigM) and Warkentin (@kenvoiceover).
FOOTBALL IN FANDUEL: Meadowlands regulars who love to plunk down a bet or two on the National Football League, know all they have to do is head for the FanDuel Sportsbook, the No. 1 betting facility of its type in North America. It couldn’t be easier to do, as it’s located inside the grandstand at The Meadowlands. There are massive TV screens and self-service betting terminals, which enable fans to watch and wager in comfort while having some great food and drink.
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.