The world record for a mile by a standardbred, 1:46 4⁄ 5 by Lather Up, driven by Montrell Teague in the 2019 Graduate, matched Always B Miki's time at the Red Mile in Lexington. Opening night at the track featured the fastest harness mile run in New Jersey to that time, 1:55 3⁄ 5 by Rambling Willie. With its sweeping curves and wide stretches, the 'Big M' has been known for exceptional times for harness racing. More recent advertising campaigns have included a direct and catchy approach to attending live racing: 'It's All About Being Here – The Meadowlands!' The advertising campaign that accompanied the start of thoroughbred racing at the Meadowlands in 1977 was noted for its use of the slogan 'Racing with the Moon', originally popularized in 1941 by bandleader Vaughn Monroe (alluding to the fact that post-time is in the evening – a circumstance that still pertains, although afternoon programs during long holiday weekends are occasionally put on). With the exception of the opening season of 1976, autumn has been dedicated to the thoroughbreds, while the rest of the year features standardbreds, or harness horses. Opened in the mid-1970s, Meadowlands Racetrack held its first-ever harness race on September 1, 1976, while thoroughbred racing commenced on September 6, 1977. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information.
