Meadowlands to host benefit for Ontario fire victims
January 5, 2016,from the Meadowlands Media Relations Department
East Rutherford, NJ — The Meadowlands Racetrack and its horsemen are joining together this weekend (Friday and Saturday) to raise funds for the victims of a devastating fire at Classy Lane Training Center in Ontario on Monday that killed more than 40 Standardbred racehorses.
“This is every horseperson’s absolute worst nightmare,” said Jason M. Settlemoir, General Manager and CEO of Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment. “Many thanks to Jennifer Bongiorno here at the Meadowlands for taking the lead on this fundraiser that we hope will raise a significant amount of money for the six trainers who lost horses in this awful tragedy.”
Meadowlands chairman Jeff Gural will kick off the fundraiser by pledging a $10,000 donation. In addition, harness racing’s leading trainer, Ron Burke, has pledged 2.5 percent of his trainer earnings plus five percent of the money earned by the Burke Racing Stable at the Meadowlands this Friday and Saturday. The partnership of Mark Weaver and Michael Bruscemi has also pledged five percent of the earnings their horses make this weekend as well.
The Meadowlands is encouraging drivers, trainers, and owners competing this weekend to make a pledge as well. Pledge forms will be available in the Meadowlands race paddock on Friday and Saturday night. An online pledge form will be posted on the Meadowlands website for horsemen that would like to help, but will not be attending the races this weekend. After racing is complete, the Meadowlands will collect the funds from the horsemen and donate them to the fire victims.
“One thing that is so special about this sport is that the hardworking men and women in harness racing always come together during challenging times and this tragedy is no different,” said Settlemoir.
In addition to horsemen donations, the Meadowlands will also set up donation baskets at the Players Club for fans that wish to help.
Live racing at the Meadowlands takes place this weekend on Friday and Saturday nights. Each night features a 14-race program beginning at the new earlier time of 6:35 p.m.
For more information, visit www.playmeadowlands.com.
- Tragic fire at Classy Lane in Ontario (Tuesday, January 05, 2016)
A barn fire at Classy Lane Training Centre in Puslinch, Ontario, started at roughly 11 p.m. on Monday (Jan. 4) and claimed the lives of more than 40 Standardbred racehorses.
- Post Time with Mike and Mike announce fundraiser for Classy Lane horsemen (Tuesday, January 05, 2016)
Post Time with Mike and Mike would like to express their deepest condolences to those affected by the fire at Classy Lane Farm on Monday (Jan. 4) in Ontario.
- USTA donates $5,000 to Classy Lane fire fund (Wednesday, January 06, 2016)
The U.S. Trotting Association announced Wednesday that it will make a $5,000 contribution to the official fund set up by the Central Ontario Standardbred Association to assist all of those affected by the tragic barn fire at Classy Lane Training Centre in Puslinch, Ontario on Monday evening.
- Ohio horsemen show support for Classy Lane barn fire (Wednesday, January 06, 2016)
On Saturday, January 9, 2016 Ohio Horsemen statewide will show support for the victims of the Classy Lane fire in Ontario,
- Tribute to honor fallen horses Thursday night at Woodbine (Wednesday, January 06, 2016)
The fire at Classy Lane Stables, which took the lives of 43 horses, has had a deep and dramatic impact on Ontario’s horse racing community.
- Big Jim breeding to benefit Classy Lane Fire Relief Fund (Thursday, January 07, 2016)
Phil Hudon is offering for sale a 2016 Big Jim breeding with all proceeds going to the Classy Lane Fire Relief Fund.
- Tribute held for Classy Lane victims (Friday, January 08, 2016)
Woodbine Entertainment Group dedicated Thursday evening’s (Jan. 7) card of racing to the equine lives lost in Monday night’s (Jan. 4) barn fire at Classy Lane Stables.
- PHHA pledges $10,000 to benefit Classy Lane fire victims (Friday, January 8, 2016)
To help provide immediate assistance for those affected by the tragic Classy Lane Training Center fire in Puslinch, Ontario, the Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen’s Association will contribute $10,000 to the fund created by the Central Ontario Standardbred Association.