The start of Sunday racing and the first of 11 editions of the 2026 Meadowlands Monthly Handicapping Contest are the highlight happenings at The Big M this weekend ...
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ -- January 8, 2025 -- The start of Sunday racing and the first of 11 editions of the 2026 Meadowlands Monthly Handicapping Contest are the highlight happenings at The Big M this weekend.
The first of four consecutive three-program race weeks kicks off Friday (Jan. 9) night. Racing will then take place on the usual Saturday (Jan. 10) evening before the initial Sunday (Jan. 11) card is held.
Post time on Friday and Saturday is 6:20 p.m., while Sunday’s program gets underway at 12:30 p.m.
After Friday’s opportunity-to-make-a-score-filled 14-race program, Saturday’s card will offer more of the same. In addition, Saturday will mark the first edition of the Meadowlands Monthly Handicapping Contest.
There will be $1,000 in prize money up for grabs in the monthly competitions as well as two spots in the end-of-year, invitation-only contest, where only the 22 monthly qualifiers will be eligible to participate in the $10,000 battle.
(For complete details, see below)
Sunday will offer a 14-race matinee card that is sure to be a hit with football fans, as harness racing bettors can double up and wager on the NFL playoffs as the trotters and pacers go at it on the track.
Patrons can watch and wager on the NFL games in the FanDuel Sportsbook.
Right around the same time as the second race at The Big M, the Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars will face-off in Jacksonville. Kickoff is at 1 p.m.
At the tail-end of the race card, the San Francisco 49ers will pay a visit to the City of Brotherly Love and take on the Philadelphia Eagles at 4:30 p.m.
“Being able to offer a variety of choices is what makes a day or night at The Meadowlands a complete experience,” said track Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir. “The first three of our Sunday race cards will have NFL playoff action for our patrons to enjoy and the handicapping contest was a home run last year and we are hoping for more of the same in 2026.”
To make the day extra special, patrons can head to the Big M’s Pink Restaurant for a sumptuous Sunday Brunch Buffet for just $39.95 (plus tax and gratuity).
For reservations, call 201-THE BIG M.
To take a look at the brunch menu, go here.
WHO’S DOING THE SHOW? This weekend, Mike Bozich, the longtime track announcer at Harrah’s Philadelphia, will serve as co-host of The Big M’s live simulcast show for all three programs alongside Dave Little.
Ken Warkentin will be in his usual spot atop the stands calling the action. Joe Romanelli will handle back-paddock interviews and FanDuel TV (FDTV) commentary and selections on Friday and Saturday while Gary DiLeo will handle those chores on Sunday.
THE SCHEDULE: During the month of January, live racing will be conducted on a Friday-Saturday-Sunday basis.
Post time on Friday and Saturday is 6:20 p.m. while Sunday racing will begin at 12:30 p.m.
The fourth and final Sunday race card takes place on Feb. 1.
SHARPEN YOUR PENCILS: The Meadowlands is bringing back the popular monthly handicapping contest in 2026. The top two finishers in each contest qualify for the invite-only $10,000 tournament in December.
The first contest of the year is set for Saturday (Jan. 10). The $1,000 prize pool will be split amongst the top four finishers.
2026 contest schedule:
· Saturday, January 10
· Friday, February 20
· Saturday, March 21
· Friday, April 17
· Saturday, May 23
· Friday, June 12
· Friday, July 24
· Saturday, August 22
· Saturday, September 5
· Friday, October 23
· Saturday, November 14
· Invitation-only $10,000 contest: Saturday, December 12
Each monthly contest will follow the same format:
· Contestants must bet a minimum of five Meadowlands races.
· No minimum or maximum bet per race.
· All wagers offered on The Meadowlands program are eligible for the contest.
· Contestants keep all pari-mutuel winnings.
· Unlimited entries per person.
There is no entry fee (a $100 live-money bankroll is required) for players, and the prize pool is guaranteed at $1,000, funded by The Meadowlands.
On the night of the contest, players must register/check-in at the Clubhouse Lobby by 6:20 p.m. A $100 betting card must be purchased to participate, as this is a live money/wagering contest.
The top two finishers from each contest earn spots in the $10,000 tournament “final” on December 12 (22 total players).
To register for the contest, go here.
Must be 18 or over to wager on racing. Gambling problem, dial 1-800-GAMBLER.
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 on Friday and Saturday)
· Races 8-13: 20-cent Pick-6
· Races 10-13: Late 50-cent Pick 4 ($50,000 guaranteed pool on Friday and Saturday)
· 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).
FOOTBALL IN FANDUEL: Meadowlands regulars who love to plunk down a bet or two on the National Football League, know all they have to do is head for the FanDuel Sportsbook, the No. 1 betting facility of its type in North America.
It couldn’t be easier to do, as it’s located inside the grandstand at The Meadowlands. There are massive TV screens and self-service betting terminals, which enable fans to watch and wager in comfort while having some great food and drink.
The National Football League’s Wild Card Weekend begins on Saturday (Jan. 10), when the Los Angeles Rams head to Carolina for a 4:30 p.m. game with the Panthers.
The Rams are a 10½-point favorite in the game that has an under/over of 46½ points.
The second game of the day has the Green Bay Packers in Chicago for an 8 p.m. kickoff with the Bears.
The Packers are a 1½-point favorite in the game that has an under/over of 45½ points.
On Sunday (Jan. 11), the Buffalo Bills visit Jacksonville for a 1 p.m. start with the Jaguars.
The Bills are a 1½-point favorite in the game that has an under/over of 51½ points.
At 4:30 p.m., the San Francisco 49ers head for Philadelphia to take on the Eagles.
The Eagles are a 4½-point favorite in the game that has an under/over of 44½ points.
The night game begins at 8 p.m., and has the Los Angeles Chargers visiting New England for a matchup with the Patriots.
The Patriots are a 3½-point favorite in the game that has an under/over of 46½ points.
Finally, on Monday (Jan. 12) night, the Houston Texans travel to the Steel City for an 8:15 p.m. game with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Texans are a 3-point favorite in the game that has an under/over of 39½ points.
Whatever the sport, for the latest odds, go here.
The FanDuel Sportsbook is open for business Monday through Friday 10 a.m. – 1 a.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. – 1 a.m.; and Sunday 8 a.m. – midnight.
