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2008 HAMBLETONIAN FESTIVAL USHERS IN ANOTHER CHAPTER IN NEW JERSEY'S RICH AND STORIED EQUIRE HERITAGE
One of America's Oldest and Most Prestigious Sporting Events Returns to the Meadowlands Sports Complex July 26-August 2
TRENTON, N.J. - The Garden State has long taken pride in its rich equine heritage. As the home of the U.S. Equestrian Team, the beautiful, 147-acre Horse Park of New Jersey and some of the most popular, renowned racing venues in the nation in Monmouth, Freehold and, of course, the Meadowlands; there's little that compares to experiencing the history and thrills that have long defined equestrian attractions throughout the Garden State.
And this legacy only grows stronger, as harness racing's preeminent race, the Hambletonian, will celebrate its 83rd running live from the Meadowlands Saturday, August 2, and broadcast live on the NBC television network beginning at 2:00 p.m. EST. Widely regarded as one of America's oldest and most prestigious sporting events and crown jewel of the Triple Crown of Harness Racing for Trotters, the Hambletonian Festival of Racing attracts over 100,000 fans from around the world, culminating with the richest horse race of its kind - the $1.7 million Hambletonian Final.
For those lucky to be there in person, gates will open at 9:30 a.m. with first post following at 11:30 a.m. Along with the $850,000 Hambletonian Oaks and the $1.7 million Final, the race card features:
- $500,000 Nat Ray
- $400,000 Mistletoe Shalee
- $280,000 Oliver Wendell Homes
- $150,000 U.S. Pacing Championship
And, as in years past, the Hambletonian Festival offers a weeklong whirlwind of fabulous giveaways and activities for adults and children alike, featuring live music, free amusement rides, carnival games, pony rides and more.
"New Jersey is proud to host the Hambletonian Festival, one of America's most prestigious and historic sporting events, and one that brings thousands to the Meadowlands and attracts a nationwide television audience of millions," noted Secretary of State Nina Mitchell Wells. Its overall economic impact is tremendous, and this exposure allows us to not only promote the state's equine history and attractions, but the diversity of things to see and do that defines our appeal as a world-class tourism destination.
According to a 2007 Rutgers Equine Science Center Study, racetracks throughout New Jersey contribute $502 million annually to the state's economy, while the overall agriculture and horse industry contribute over $1.1 billion. As the preeminent trotting race in the world, the Hambletonian attracts millions of dollars in media coverage and promotional opportunities from television, radio, newspaper, magazine and other outlets to highlight all there is to see and do across the Garden State.
The Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford has been the proud home of the Hambletonian since 1981, not only providing the venue's cornerstone attraction, but solidifying its standing as the nation's premier harness racing facility.
"The benefits of hosting the Hambletonian are extraordinary," said Nancy Byrne, Executive Director of New Jersey's Office of Travel & Tourism. "It's an annual reminder to millions nationwide that there simply isn't another state that offers such a unique mix of equine history and highlights, year after year - a legacy that only stands to grow with this year's Festival."
For more information on the Hambletonian, its history and a complete listing of events for the 2008 Festival, visit www.hambletonian.org and www.meadowlandsracetrack.com.
For further insight on tourism opportunities in the Garden State, or to receive a copy of the 2008 New Jersey Travel Guide, contact the New Jersey Office of Travel & Tourism at 800-VISITNJ or visit www.visitnj.org.
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