from the Meadowlands Publicity Department

East Rutherford, NJ — Southwind Tempo will put her eight-race winning streak on the line in the first of three Tarport Hap Stakes divisions on Friday night (July 20) at the Meadowlands.

She will start from post six with usual partner Tim Tetrick in the sulky in the evening’s $58,000 third race. The precocious daughter of Bettor’s Delight has won 13 of 14 career starts and 10 races this season. The only blemish on her record was a near-miss to Striptease Hall in the Tender Loving Care series on February 21 at the Meadowlands.

Southwind Tempo’s 2007 victories include the $60,000 Tender Loving Care Final, the $222,250 Lady Catskill Pace at Monticello and the $242,620 Lismore at Yonkers. On June 16, she set a 1:49.3 five-eighths-mile track world record in the James Lynch at Pocono Downs. She picked up her seventh straight win in the Valley Forge Stakes on July 12 at Chester Downs.

Driver-trainer Toby Lynch purchased Southwind Tempo for $3,500 at the Blooded Horse Sale in the spring of 2005. He sold a 20 percent interest in the filly to New York Jets wide receiver Wayne Chrebet in April and turned over training duties to Steve Elliott for the remainder of her sophomore season.

“She’s the type of filly that will let you know during the week that she wants to work,” said Lynch. “She seems to thrive on it. She’s not shy about telling you either. Some horses don’t like training. She’s the opposite. She cannot wait to get out there, whether it is a race or not.”

Glidemaster connections named Parade grand marshals

When Glidemaster captured the $1.5 million Hambletonian before a crowd of nearly 30,000 last August at the Meadowlands Racetrack, it was just the beginning of a magical journey that led to a sweep of harness racing’s Triple Crown and the title of Horse of the Year.

In recognition of Glidemaster’s achievements, driver John Campbell, trainer Blair Burgess and the horse’s owners, Karin Olsson-Burgess, Robert Burgess, Marsha Cohen and Brittany Farms, have been named grand marshals of the fifth annual Hambletonian Parade, which will take place on Saturday, July 28, in Rutherford, New Jersey. They will escort the Hambletonian trophy in their carriage as it makes its way down the mile parade route.

Beginning at 10:00 a.m., an unparalleled number of equine units, marching bands and vintage cars will lead the way to Rutherford’s Lincoln Park, where there will be food vendors, live music and free children’s entertainment, including pony rides, clowns and games. Harness racing’s leading drivers and trainers will greet fans and sign autographs. And Hambo Tony, the Hambletonian mascot, will hand out treats to children and pose for photos.

Among this year’s parade dignitaries is the newly crowned Miss New Jersey, Amy Polumbo of Howell. New equine participants this year include the adorable members of the Keystone Miniature Horse Club. Returning favorites include the Zembo Mounted Shriners, Hitch A Stride Drill Team, Passaic High School Marching Band and the Lesbian and Gay Alliance Big Apple Corps, one of the nation’s premier marching bands.

The parade is the first major event of the Hambletonian Festival at the Meadowlands, a week of stakes races and special events, culminating in Hambletonian Day on Saturday, August 4.

Harness racing’s most prestigious event, the Hambletonian dates back to 1926 and has a long tradition of being part of the fairs and festivals of its host communities. The Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford has been the home of the Hambletonian since 1981. Visiting racing fans, horsemen and media are encouraged to shop and dine in the gourmet restaurants and bustling downtown shops of Rutherford, which has hosted the Hambletonian Parade since the inaugural event in 2003. Each year, the 2.3 square mile borough, which is home to 18,000 residents, has supported the Hambletonian Festival through programs such as art contestant displays and giveaways.

A few hours after the last unit passes the reviewing stand on July 28, the action moves to the Meadowlands Racetrack for a twilight racing program that begins at 5:00 p.m. and includes elimination races for the Hambletonian and the Hambletonian Oaks, the sport’s most prestigious events for 3-year-old trotters. The night’s festivities also include a messenger bag giveaway (while supplies last), rock concert by Queen V and rides in Paddock Park.

For more information visit www.meadowlandsracetrack.com or call (201) THE BIGM; or contact the Rutherford Downtown Partnership at (201) 460-3000, x3156.

Joey Dee and the Starliters headline oldies concert Saturday

Harness racing and classic oldies music share the stage on Saturday, July 21, at the Meadowlands Racetrack. WMTR 1250 AM presents The Regents and Joey Dee and the Starliters (“Baby, You’re Driving Me Crazy,” “Face of an Angel,” “Help Me Pick up the Pieces,” and “Peppermint Twist”) live in Paddock Park. Bring a blanket or beach chair and enjoy the oldies under the stars. Concert begins at 6:00 p.m. First race is at 7:30 p.m.