Hambletonian Society Predictions

[bond]

If it moves-that would be a disaster for New Jersey-and a kick in the nuts for Mr Gural who has put so much money and effort into the Meadowlands-only to see it snatched away.
 I know the financial security at the Meadowlands is a worry-as the state funding ends in less than 3 years-and Ohio-Indiana and Ontario have Casino revenue to raise purses.
If it moves Mr Gural has  himself to take some blame by being vocal about allowing certain trainers to race who are viewed contentiously by other factions of the industry.
 Relocating the event could allow a fresh start under different regulatory bodies that align closely with the Society’s strict stance on race rules and integrity.
The geographic rotation could help cultivate a new generation of owners, breeders, and fans outside of the Northeast.
I don't see however any track matching the handle the Meadowlands has for the Hambletonian.
 PLUS--The prime location attracts unmatched media exposure, blue-chip corporate sponsorship, and national television coverage on Fox Sports that smaller regional markets simply cannot replicate
Modify message

[gurals casino]

then why didn't Gural extend the contract?

[jupiter]

He didn't want a five year contract with the unknown economic conditions of the big m. Sure he wanted concessions in the contract, what business wouldn't. It'll be a shame if it moves, I would be more concerned in the future of the track itself, it's overnight racing is mostly crap with crap purses. I can not understand how people think Jeff should be the only one who is responsible for the future of harness racing in NJ. Look at the legislature.

[seen2much]

Ending the Hambletonian Society would be best for the sport. It is ridiculous listening to Campbell. They immediately start planning for next one days after the race. It has been in the same place. What is different and takes a year to plan for?
The answer is NOTHING

[Racetime]

Remember that the vote is to do what is best for the Hambletonian and not the State of NJ, the State is behind the 8 ball by not allowing a Casino at the Mlands. I believe it will end up in the cornfields of Indiana.

[Racetime]

Only 3 tracks put in bids Mlands, Hoosier and Mohawk so it's between those 3 this year

[Grandstand Handicapper]

Personally, I think a lot of this is posturing. Potentially dangerous in that the Meadowlands could lose the Hambo, but posturing nonetheless. The entire thing, all of it, takes place at a level so much higher than anyone can even imagine. All we see and hear is media, posturing, etc. No different than when the Meadowlands was allegedly closing. Gural let the HS contract expire because he knew that it did not mean the Meadowlands would automatically lose the Hambo. Obviously, he felt it would give him some advantage, leverage, etc. The HS put it out for bid knowing that it did not mean the Meadowlands was automatically no longer an option for them. So they too felt it gave them an advantage, leverage, etc. In the end, I think the Hambo stays at the Meadowlands. People will end up saying somehow, someway. If they lose it, it goes to Lexington, who ironically, did not put in a bid. Goes to show you, LOL.

 

[jupiter]

We have had corporate sponsorship. Budweiser Beacon Course, Cadillac Breeders Crown, what will change, new marketing? People forget the Hambo has only been at the
 Big M since 1981, DuQuoin before that. It would be great if it stayed at the Meadowland's. Things change, The Dexter Cup now Big M, Cane Pace Big M. Both were raced on half mile tracks, now on a mile track, both triple crown races.

[dougie]

I hope it stays at the Meadowlands. Gural is approaching his 84th birthday. I'm guessing he's gotta be thinking about getting out of the game and just staying as a horse owner. He stayed at the same small Bungalow Colony in Monticello that my family did in the mid 70's and early 80's. He gave my Dad, Rest In Peace, his horse "Shadydale Yankios " who paid $12.60 at the "Mighty M". I never thought he's become an owner of three racetracks and be such a big player in harness racing. I saw him about 10 years ago a the Meadowlands. He was very gracious and friendly to my family.