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 Standardbred Owners Association has announced a food drive to benefit the Greater Washington County Food Bank.

The organization is in need of the following NON-PERISHABLE items:  Canned Fruits & Vegetables,Canned/Powdered Milk, Canned/Powdered Juices,  Canned Meats, Canned/Dried Soup, Cooking Oil/Sprays , Cake Mixes, Condiments, Flour, Hamburger/Tuna Helper , Hot/Cold Cereal, Jello/Pudding, Pasta/Rice, Pasta/Spaghetti Sauce , Peanut Butter/Jelly , Sugar/Sweeteners, Diapers, Shampoo/Conditioner, Toothpaste, Cleaning Supplies , Laundry Detergent , Paper Goods

They also need the following HOLIDAY FOOD ITEMS:  Cranberry Sauce, Stuffing Mix, Canned or Powdered Gravy, Instant Potatoes, Canned Pumpkin, Canned Sweet Potatoes and Yams

The food drive ends on November 22nd.  Monetary donations are also accepted.

Thank you for your support!!

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!

DW’s NY Yank, trained by Ron Burke and ridden by Chantal Sutherland-Kruse, established a new North American record for trotting under saddle of 1:59 at The Meadows on Monday, September 23.

Enjoy video of the historic mile…CLICK HERE.