Joe Lucas turned out to be the big winner on the day, but he was just one of many caretakers went home with a special pre-holiday bonus on Caretaker Appreciation Day at The Meadows, hosted by the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association.

The second annual event featured a cash prize ranging from $30 to $300 for each winning caretaker, with the prize drawn at random prior to the race.  Lucas was the caretaker of Regil Tiger, winner of the 11^th race on the card, which had been pre-determined as the featured race, with the winner also earning a commemorative blanket from the MSOA.

The cash prizes were the result of a gift that was first offered last year by an anonymous local horseowner that wanted to recognize a hard-working group of people that rarely receive accolades for their work.  This year, that donation increased to $1000.

“I wish that more people would take time to compensate and thank caretakers for the hard work that they put in every day,” said the owner in a statement along with the anonymously given check.

According to Lucas, “Earlier today when I heard we were going for $300, I thought I have a good driver and good horse so I was hoping for the best.  All of us back here really appreciate this, we work hard and it makes it even better that today is such a cold day.  That extra bonus made my day a lot better.”

Lucas added, “I been doing this since I was sixteen, I was out of it for six or seven years and had what everyone in this business calls a real job, and a lot of people really don’t realize how fortunate we are to be in this business, doing what we love.”

Also coming on board for this year’s event was Southern States Feed, which donated $400.  Southern States Feed serves the track through its distributor in Eighty Four, PA, Eighty Four Agway.

According to Southern States, “Along with Agway, we want to thank and congratulate all the hardworking ladies and gentlemen who help keep the horses racing.”

The MSOA also offered a free buffet lunch to all caretakers, served in The Meadows’ paddock throughout the afternoon.

The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association has announced a pair of events to give back to those that support racing at The Meadows throughout the year as we approach the holiday season.

Throughout the month of December, for all live racing cards, the MSOA is sponsoring Fan Appreciation Days.  The event features the always popular Spin To Win giveaways along with cookies and light refreshments throughout the afternoon each day.

On Tuesday, December 10, the annual Caretaker Appreciation Day will take place.  Each race will feature a special, variable monetary prize for the winning caretaker.  A blanket presentation will be made after one designated race, and all caretakers are invited to join in a special MSOA-sponsored lunch in the paddock.

The MSOA thanks all of those that have helped to make 2013 another great year of racing at The Meadows Racetrack & Casino!

Veterans spending their day at The Meadows Racetrack and Casino were honored in the winners circle after the 6th race on Monday, November 11, as part of a special Veterans Appreciation race.

Anyone that served their country was invited to the winners circle, where they received a free win photo to share in the victory by DM Big Dog Daddy.  They were also given a $5 betting voucher, free drinks and pastries earlier in the day, all courtesy of the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association.

Ron Burke, trainer of DM Big Dog Daddy, said, “I wanted them to remember their day at The Meadows.  They are truly heroes and we appreciate the sacrifices they have made.”  After the group photo was taken, Burke called down to request that one of the veterans be given the blanket, which had been presented to the winning horse.

Winning driver Dave Palone added, “It was an honor to meet those fellas.  My dad is a former Marine and I wish he could have made it today.  It sure puts things into perspective.  We owe them a lot.”

When Palone returned to the winners circle he hung up the lines and went to shake the hands of all the Veterans that had joined him.

Kim Hankins, Executive Director of the MSOA, noted, “This day means so much to me because my son served in the army.  I am so proud of him and all the others that have served our country.”

Outrider Missy Rothfuss, who always makes sure that her mount is properly attired for special occasions, said, “Veterans Day is a big deal.  We need to give thanks for everything that we have.  Our freedom and way of life is thanks to them.”

Russ Otto a Veteran and Meadows regular, summed it all up, saying “I think that it was really great that The Meadows and MSOA honored the Veterans.  We really appreciated it.”

The Meadows Race Office has updated the track’s Horse Approval Guidelines, effective October 29.

CLICK HERE for the latest update.

Mark your calendars for the USTA District 7 annual meeting, which will take place Saturday, January 18 at the Bedford Springs Omni Hotel & Resort in Bedford, PA.

Additional details will follow, but please save this date!