Beckwith Returns to The Meadowlands After April Spill
Fans of Brett Beckwith will finally get the chance to wager on their favorite driver again Thursday night at The Meadowlands. The 23‑year‑old reinsman returns nearly a month earlier than expected after suffering a brain injury, broken jaw, and broken wrist in an April 12 spill at Saratoga. “I trained a couple and biked up a couple last week,” Beckwith said. “But Thursday will be my first time driving in parimutuel races. To be honest, I’m excited. It’s been a while.”
Beckwith, who led The Big M with 146 wins in 2025, has been sidelined for almost two months. His recovery progressed faster than anticipated thanks to consistent therapy and diligent rehab work at home. “Every time I went in for an x‑ray, everything was good,” he said. “I was super diligent in taking care of myself.”
Despite missing significant time, Beckwith still leads the 2026 Meadowlands driver standings with 73 wins, just ahead of Joe Bongiorno’s 71. “It’ll be fun and interesting,” Beckwith said. “I’m just happy to be back and whatever happens, happens.”
He will waste no time ramping up. Beckwith expects 13 drives Thursday, followed by Meadowlands on Friday, Poconos on Saturday, Saratoga on Sunday, and Plainridge on Monday and Tuesday.
Meadowlands Chalk Rate Remains Lowest in North America
The Big M continues to be the most reliable track for bettors looking to beat the favorite. Winning chalk sits at 40.8 percent, lower than every major North American harness track, including Hoosier Park, Mohawk, Meadows, Northfield, and Yonkers.
On To Norway Seeks 27th Straight Win Friday
The remarkable trotter On To Norway returns Friday in the second leg of the Graduate Series for 4‑year‑olds. The Ron Burke trainee, unbeaten since April 2025, will leave from post eight at 2‑1 on the morning line as he chases his 27th consecutive victory.
Monthly Handicapping Contest Returns Friday
Leg 6 of the Meadowlands Monthly Handicapping Contest takes place Friday, offering $1,000 in guaranteed cash prizes and two qualifying spots for the $10,000 December 12 final. Players must wager a $100 live bankroll and bet at least five Meadowlands races.
Debbie Little Delivers Monster Late Double
Hall of Famer Debbie Little, filling in on the simulcast show, delivered seven winners on June 5 and crushed the late double with a 1‑2 single and a 50‑1 bomb. Her $40 play returned $868, a segment record.
Broadcast Team and Schedule Notes
Debbie Little hosts Thursday and Friday’s simulcast coverage. Annie Stoebe co‑hosts Thursday, while Larry Fox joins Friday and calls Thursday’s races. Jason Settlemoir will announce Friday’s card. FanDuel TV coverage features Melissa Keith on Thursday and Gary DiLeo on Friday.
Big M Racing Schedule Adjustments
Live racing continues Fridays and Saturdays at 6:35 p.m. through September 12, with exceptions due to the World Cup at MetLife Stadium. Key dates include: • July 4 stakes program at 6 p.m. with fireworks • Hambletonian Day on August 8 at noon • Additional Thursday cards on June 11, July 2, and August 6 • No live racing June 13 and June 27 • Simulcasting closed on multiple dates when World Cup matches are held
Weekend Wagering Menu
The Meadowlands offers seven low‑takeout wagers across its 14‑race cards, including Early and Late Pick‑5s, two Pick‑4s with $50,000 guarantees, and Hi‑5 pentafectas.
Free Programs and Social Media
Fans can download free program pages at playmeadowlands.com under the news tab. Updates, replays, and selections are available on Facebook and X via @meadowlandsracetrack, @themeadowlands, and the broadcast team’s accounts.
FanDuel Sportsbook Action
The FanDuel Sportsbook inside the Meadowlands grandstand remains the top sports wagering destination in North America. Thursday features Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final between Vegas and Carolina, with the series tied 2‑2. The Hurricanes are -154 on the money line; Vegas is -194 getting 1.5 goals. The total is 6.5.
