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 signed a contract extension to host the event through 2021.

The Hambletonian Society, which owns the race, and Jeff Gural, chairman of the New Meadowlands Racetrack LLC, have extended the existing Hambletonian contract from 2018 to 2021. An option to host future races was required before May 15, and the NMR was quick to exercise that option.

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.

Hambletonian day, traditionally the first Saturday in August, is scheduled for Aug. 6. It is the only harness race that strictly prohibits race-day medication, even the commonly accepted therapeutic medication Lasix. Hambletonian day continues to set North American handle and attendance records in the new Meadowlands grandstand, with more than $8 million wagered in 2015.

“Since 1981 the Meadowlands has been a proud host of the Hambletonian. This agreement solidifies that commitment, and we are all dedicated in continuing to make the race a world-wide attraction,” said Jeff Gural.

“We appreciate the confidence of the Hambletonian Society in continuing their relationship with us,” said Jason M. Settlemoir, CEO/GM of NMR. “Hambletonian Day is annually the most highly-anticipated day of racing in our sport and we take great pride in continuing to make the Meadowlands the home of America’s Trotting Classic.”

The agreement also means the Meadowlands will be the home of the Hambletonian for a record four decades through 2021, the longest the event has been raced at any one track.

Tom Charters, president of the Hambletonian Society, which has owned and administrated the Hambletonian since its inception in 1926, praised the Meadowlands for past contributions and future growth of one of the most iconic races in the world.

“The state of New Jersey (NJSEA) brought the Hambletonian here in 1981 and Jeff Gural and his management team have continued to keep the sport’s signature race at the highest level. They are wonderful partners and we look forward to 2021 and beyond,” said Charters.

The Hambletonian is the first leg of the trotting Triple Crown, followed by the Yonkers Trot on Aug. 27 and Kentucky Futurity on Oct. 9.

The Hambletonian race is also the longest-running live broadcast in harness racing. The Aug. 6 event will be broadcast live on CBS Sports Network from 4-5:30 p.m. (EDT).