EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – The start of the Sunday races and the first of 11 editions of the Meadowlands Monthly Handicapping Contest 2026 are the highlights of The Big M this weekend.
The first of four consecutive racing weeks with three programs starts on Friday evening (January 9). Racing will then take place on the usual Saturday evening (January 10), before the first Sunday card (January 11) is held.
The post time on Friday and Saturday is 6:20 PM, while on Sunday the program starts at 12:30 PM
After the 14-race program full of chances to make a score, Saturday’s card offers more of the same. In addition, the first edition of the Meadowlands Monthly Handicapping Contest will take place on Saturday.
There is $1,000 in prize money to be won in the monthly competitions, as well as two spots in the invitation-only end-of-year competition, where only the 22 monthly qualifiers are eligible to compete in the $10,000 battle.
(For full details, see below)
A 14-race matinee card will be offered on Sunday that is sure to be a hit with football fans as harness racing bettors can double down and bet on the NFL playoffs as the trotters and pacers hit the track.
Patrons can watch and wager on 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. The kick-off is at 1:00 PM
At the end of the race card, the San Francisco 49ers will visit the City of Brotherly Love and take on the Philadelphia Eagles at 4:30 p.m.
“Being able to offer a variety of choices makes a day or night at The Meadowlands a complete experience,” said Jason Settlemoir, the track’s Chief Operating Officer and General Manager. “The first three of our Sunday race cards will feature NFL playoff action for our customers to enjoy and the handicapping match was a home run last year and we hope for more of the same in 2026.”
To make the day extra special, customers can head to Big M’s Pink Restaurant for a sumptuous Sunday brunch buffet for just $39.95 (plus tax and tip).
For reservations, please call 201-THE BIG M.
To view the brunch menu, visit here.
WHO’S DOING THE SHOW? This weekend, Mike Bozich, longtime track announcer at Harrah’s Philadelphia, will co-host The Big M’s live simulcast show with Dave Little for all three programs.
Ken Warkentin will stand in his usual spot atop the stands and call the action. Joe Romanelli will handle the 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 there will be live racing on Friday-Saturday-Sunday.
Post time on Friday and Saturday is 6:20 PM, while the race starts at 12:30 PM on Sunday
The fourth and final Sunday race card takes place on February 1.
SHARPNESS YOUR PENCILS: The Meadowlands will bring back the popular monthly handicapping competition in 2026. The top two winners from each match will qualify for the $10,000 invitational tournament in December.
The first match of the year is scheduled for Saturday (January 10). The $1,000 prize pool will be divided among the top four winners.
Competition schedule 2026:
- 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 14th
- $10,000 Invitation Only Contest: Saturday December 12
Each monthly competition follows the same format:
- Participants must enter a minimum of five Meadowlands races.
- No minimum or maximum bet per race.
- All bets offered through the Meadowlands program are eligible for the match.
- Participants keep all pari-mutuel winnings.
- Unlimited number of entries per person.
There are no entry fees (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 game, players must register/check in at the clubhouse lobby by 6:20 PM. A $100 betting card must be purchased to enter as this is a live money/stakes competition.
The top two finishers from each match will earn spots in the $10,000 tournament final on December 12 (22 players total).
To register for the competition, visit here.
Must be 18 years or older to bet on racing. Gambling problem, call 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 Speelweidelands.comand then click the ‘news’ dropdown to watch the past performances completely free.
A GREAT WAY TO PLAY: Every night The Meadowlands offers a great menu of popular bets with a 15 percent takeaway.
Here’s a look at when these bets will be offered in this weekend’s programs:
- Races 1-5: 20 cents Pick-5
- Races 3-9: 20 cents Survivor Pick-7 (mandatory payout per night)
- Races 6-9: 50 Cent Early Pick-4 ($50,000 guaranteed pool on Friday and Saturday)
- Races 8-13: 20 cents Pick-6
- Races 10-13: Late 50-cent Pick 4 ($50,000 guaranteed pool on Friday and Saturday)
- Race 14: 10 cents Pentafecta (Hi-5) without jackpot
A SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT: Everything about Meadowlands is available via
Stay in touch with the Big M talent duo Little (@DaveLittleBigM) and Warkentin (@kenvoiceover).
FOOTBALL IN FANDUEL: Meadowlands regulars eager to place a few bets on the National Football League know all they have to do is head to FanDuel Sportsbook, the #1 betting facility of its kind in North America.
It couldn’t be easier, because it’s located in the grandstand of The Meadowlands. There are huge TV screens and self-service betting terminals, allowing fans to watch and gamble in comfort while enjoying tasty food and drinks.
The National Football League’s Wild Card Weekend kicks off on Saturday (Jan. 10) when the Los Angeles Rams head to Carolina for a 4:30 p.m. matchup with the Panthers.
The Rams are a 10½-point favorite going into the game with 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 going into the game with 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 going into the game with an under/over of 51½ points.
The San Francisco 49ers leave for Philadelphia to take on the Eagles at 4:30 p.m.
The Eagles are a 4½-point favorite going into the match with an under/over of 44½ points.
The evening game starts at 8 p.m. and the Los Angeles Chargers visit New England for a matchup with the Patriots.
The Patriots are a 3½-point favorite going into the game with an under/over of 46½ points.
Finally, the Houston Texans travel to Steel City on Monday night (January 12) for an 8:15 PM game with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Texans are a 3-point favorite in the game with an under/over of 39½ points.
Whatever the sport, get the latest odds here.
The FanDuel Sportsbook is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Saturday 8am – 1am; and Sunday 8 a.m. – midnight.
By The Meadowlands
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