Meadowlands Wagering, Purses Soar

Boosted by a 25% increase in average daily wagering, Meadowlands Racetrack concluded its shortest Thoroughbred meet in history with record purse distribution.

Overall handle averaged $2,255,622 during the 44-day meet, with average daily on-track betting up 14% to $604,622.

"Our goal is, and always has been, to offer the best racing on the local and national level, and this year's numbers from both Monmouth Park and the Meadowlands support our efforts," said Bruce Garland, senior executive vice president for the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority. "In light of the events of September 11, we were gratified for the strong wagering support for this Meadowlands meet. The bottom line is that quality racing sells - we offered it and the wagering numbers on-track and through the Meadowlands simulcast network backed that up."

Average daily purse distribution of $371,000 represented a 74% increase over last year and was the highest in Meadowlands history and for the state of New Jersey. Total purse distribution of $16.3 million eclipsed the previous record $12.46 million given in 1998. Average daily attendance rose 1%, averaging 4,852 patrons a night.