Here is this week’s Meadows Monday Memo.
Janet Terhune to receive USHWA President’s Award
Michael Carter, president of the United States Writers Association (USHWA), has selected Janet Terhune as the recipient of a 2026 President’s Award.
Miami Valley cancels Monday card
Due to unseasonably warm temperatures and the track thawing out, Miami Valley Raceway has canceled its Monday afternoon (Jan. 5) card.
$9,881 Pick-5 carryover at MGM Northfield Park
The first Sunday card of 2026 (Jan. 4) had some exciting races and late-stage drama that led to an unsolved Pick-5. The carryover will roll over to Tuesday night (Jan. 6).
Miami Valley to delay Sunday’s post
Miami Valley will delay Sunday’s (Jan. 4) post time from 4:00 p.m., to 6:00 p.m., to try and avoid any possible track thawing issues that may arise. Please add two hours to your Lasix and paddock times.
Merriman, Kreiser run away with 2025 honors at MGM Northfield Park
Let’s be honest—the driving title was decided on Day One. Just as it has been for the past nine years. Aaron Merriman seized control immediately, and history took care of the rest. Everything that followed didn’t change the outcome; it merely delayed the announcement.
Illinois Racing Board Temporarily Shuts Down Hawthorne Harness Meet, OTB Network
The Illinois Racing Board has ordered financially strapped Hawthorne Race Course in Stickney, Ill., to cease live horse racing and off-track betting operations – at least temporarily. The order, made late Friday afternoon, came after Standardbred horsemen at the current harness meet were issued a second round of checks with non-sufficient funds to cover purses and, according to communications within the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association board of directors, Hawthorne failed to secure required bonds for 2026
Aardie B Miki N dominant in Big M feature
Despite drawing post 10, Aardie B Miki N flaunted her back class in the Friday (Jan. 2) night feature at The Meadowlands, crushing her foes as the 1-5 favorite in the $17,500 high-end conditioned pace for fillies and mares.
Pandy’s Meadowlands selections for Jan. 3
Handicapper Bob Pandolfo offers his selections for the full card at the Meadowlands on Saturday (Jan. 3).
OHHA Awards Banquet and Annual Meeting scheduled for Jan. 10
The Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association Awards Banquet and Annual Meeting will be held on Jan. 10 at the Renaissance Columbus-Westerville, 409 Altair Parkway, Westerville, OH.