Horse Racing Meadowlands to host benefit for Ontario fire victims by Media Release January 5, 2016 EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ (January 5, 2016) – The Meadowlands Racetrack and its horsemen are joining together this weekend (Friday and Saturday) to raise funds for the victims of a devastating fire at Classy Lane Training Center in Ontario on Monday that killed more than 40 standardbred racehorses. “This is every horseperson’s absolute worst nightmare,” said Jason M. Settlemoir, General Manager and CEO of Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment. “Many thanks to Jennifer Bongiorno here at the Meadowlands for taking the lead on this fundraiser that we hope will raise a significant amount of money for the six trainers who lost horses in this awful tragedy.” Meadowlands chairman Jeff Gural will kick off the fundraiser by pledging a $10,000 donation. In addition, harness racing’s leading trainer, Ron Burke, has pledged 2.5 percent of his trainer earnings plus five percent of the money earned by the Burke Racing Stable at the Meadowlands this Friday and Saturday. The partnership of Mark Weaver and Michael Bruscemi has also pledged five percent of the earnings their horses make this weekend as well. The Meadowlands is encouraging drivers, trainers, and owners competing this weekend to make a pledge as well. Pledge forms will be available in the Meadowlands race paddock on Friday and Saturday night. An online pledge form will be posted on the Meadowlands website for horsemen that would like to help, but will not be attending the races this weekend. After racing is complete, the Meadowlands will collect the funds from the horsemen and donate them to the fire victims. “One thing that is so special about this sport is that the hardworking men and women in harness racing always come together during challenging times and this tragedy is no different,” said Settlemoir. In addition to horsemen donations, the Meadowlands will also set up donation baskets at the Players Club for fans that wish to help. Live racing at the Meadowlands takes place this weekend on Friday and Saturday nights. Each night features a 14-race program beginning at the new earlier time of 6:35 p.m. For more information, visit www.playmeadowlands.com. Post Views: 1,327 The following two tabs change content below.BioLatest Posts Media Release This content is directly from an official media release and was not written by any member of our team here at Double G Sports. Latest posts by Media Release (see all) Proud Partners With ESPN On-Air Personality and Gold Medalist Victoria Arlen To Donate To Her Organization - December 10, 2020 FOCO Releases Los Angeles Dodgers 2020 World Series Championship Merchandise - October 28, 2020 Mohegan Sun Arena To Host BIG EAST Women’s Basketball Tournament - September 2, 2020 “Ticket to Ride” Campaign Benefits Fantastic Friends of WNY - July 3, 2020 Related TopicsClassy Lane Training CenterJason SettlemoirJennifer BongiornoMeadowlandsMeadowlands Racetrack Click to comment You must be logged in to post a comment Login Leave a Reply Cancel replyYou must be logged in to post a comment. Newsletter Subscription Can't Miss Posts! Women in Sports: NHL Network Host, Jackie Redmond by Nicholas Durst | posted on March 4, 2019 From Paramus High School to CBS Sports, Spero Dedes is making waves in sports broadcasting by Sunil Sunder Raj | posted on October 27, 2020 Lochte, Dressel and Ledecky all Chasing Gold at 2021 Tokyo Olympics by Anthony Paradiso | posted on April 18, 2021 You Know I’m Right, Episode 109: The Athletic’s Marc Carig (Audio/Video) by Nicholas Durst | posted on April 19, 2021 Women in Sports: Podcast Host, New York Riptide Sideline Reporter, Dani Wexelman by Luke Porco | posted on March 3, 2020 More in Horse Racing Sole Volante, Ete Indien, 8 Others Complete 2020 Kentucky Derby Betting In less than two months, the Kentucky Derby will finally start after it was... Where to Enjoy the Best New York City Horse Races North America was still under British Colonial rule when the very first racetrack was... Haskell Invitational 2019: Excessive Heat and an Exciting Win for Maximum Security Blistering hot temperatures in Monmouth County made for postponed and cancelled races at Monmouth... Grand National Fever Set to Sweep UK in April Before the Kentucky Derby kicks off America’s Triple Crown of racing for thoroughbreds in May,... Double G Sports Announces 2015 Award Finalists, Voting Now Open St. Joe’s ice hockey rolls past Paramus Catholic 5-1 at Prudential Center