East Rutherford, NJ – The final weekend of live racing at The Meadowlands in 2025 will feature a pair of 14-race programs chock full of opportunities for players to make a score.
In addition, on Saturday (Dec. 27), Fan Appreciation Night will offer discount concession stand items off the track, while on the track, there are a pair of power-packed co-features sure to titillate the senses of any harness racing fan, putting in the spotlight two horses who have been doing a lot of winning lately.
Captain Crusader A shoots for a fourth straight score in the $25,000 eighth race, a TrackMaster 90 for pacers. Brett Beckwith, the hottest driver at The Big M, will guide the Rico Robinson trainee from post two and will start out at 3-1 on the morning line.
Thenu Came Along A is a Yonkers Raceway shipper who missed a nose in last at the non-winners of $20,531 in their last five starts class. The Australian invader makes his third start in North America with Johnathan Ahle in the sulky for trainer Scott Blackler. He’ll leave from post five and start out at 9-2.
The $30,000 Open Handicap for pacers is the 10th race, and Pinny Tiger A, who won this race a week ago to extend his winning streak to five, looks to make it six with Beckwith in the bike from post eight. The duo are 5-2 on the morning-line for trainer Per Engblom.
Trying to end that streak is Christopher Dance N, who is 4-1 for Ahle and Robinson from post five.
‘Christopher’ did not have a good night last week in this event, never getting close as the 5-2 second choice (Go Go Grasshopper was the 3-2 public choice). The 5-year-old stallion by Sweet Lou-Just Dance set his lifetime best of 1:49.3 at The Big M on Sept. 6 of this year, and has lost only four times during 2025 in 12 starts.
RACING SCHEDULE: The racing schedule will have a familiar look both this weekend and next.
To ring out 2025, live action will take place on Friday (Dec. 26) and Saturday (Dec. 27).
To ring in 2026, racing will take place on Friday, Jan. 2, and Saturday, Jan. 3.
Post time for all four programs is 6:20 p.m.
MUCH APPRECIATED: The final race card of 2025 at The Meadowlands is one for the on-track patrons, as Fan Appreciation Night will feature some serious savings on some of the most popular concession-stand items.
Head over to the Cafe from 6-11 p.m. on Saturday (Dec. 27) for $1 hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn and soda (there is a limit of five items per transaction).
Also available at the Café are $2 Bud/Bud Light drafts.
STURMAN ON SET: Brett Sturman, the outstanding columnist and handicapper for Harness Racing Update, will serve as the co-host on the Big M’s live simulcast presentation this Friday and Saturday. The show gets underway nightly at 5:45 p.m.
Ken Warkentin and Dave Little will perform their usual roles, serving as track announcer and TV host, respectively.
Gary DiLeo will handle the FanDuel TV feed and back-paddock interviews.
HOLIDAY SCHEDULE: On Christmas Eve, Wednesday (Dec. 24), there will be horse race simulcasting, but it will end at the conclusion of racing at Gulfstream Park, which has a nine-race program that begins at 12:20 p.m. Post time for the last race at Gulf is 4:20 p.m.
The FanDuel Sportsbook is open from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
On Christmas Day, Thursday (Dec. 25), there is no simulcasting.
The FanDuel Sportsbook is open from 11:30 a.m. – 1 a.m.
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)
- Races 8-13: 20-cent Pick-6
- Races 10-13: Late 50-cent Pick 4 ($50,000 guaranteed pool)
- 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).
PARTY ON: It’s that time of year to celebrate the holidays, and a great place to enjoy a great time is The Meadowlands.
Discover the unique event spaces at The Big M, perfect for hosting your corporate holiday parties, game-day watch parties and year-end celebrations at a venue that offers a one-of-a-kind experience that you won’t find anywhere else.
Event spaces are complemented by a diverse range of beverage and dining options, ensuring that your holiday event is perfectly catered to your preferences.
Indulge in the luxury of the Skybox Suites, which are private rooms that offer both stadium-style and table-seating options. With moveable walls, parties of up to 200 people can enjoy buffet dining and unobstructed views of the racing action, making your event truly special.
Trackside, situated on the ground floor of the track, offers an expansive area ideal for galas, receptions, large corporate events and trade shows.
The Gallery has 16 LED screens and one 220” jumbo screen. It is furnished with a private bar, lounge and table seating and overlooks the FanDuel Sportsbook. The Gallery is ideal for alumni watch parties and game-day gatherings.
The second-floor Lounge offers the best of both worlds – it is ideal for viewing live racing action and enjoying prime viewing of the sportsbook’s huge HD TVs. With its horseshoe-shaped bar and a mix of lounge, high tops and seated dining, it’s a versatile location perfect for a holiday mixer or cocktail hour, accommodating a variety of event styles.
Book a private tour today with Andrea Lokshin by emailing her at alokshin@playmeadowlands.com or give her a call at 201-842-5013. You can also view our spaces and take a 360-degree tour by visiting https://playmeadowlands.com/party/.