Jul 2, 2026 By John Sacco 3 min read

Like most things right now, The Meadows is hot.

The results of Thursday’s afternoon’s 13-race card were steaming.

The North Strabane Township harness racing track set a single-card handle record of $1,686,400.

Buoyed by a couple of carryovers and guaranteed pools, along with high east coast temperatures that resulted in a lower number of tracks racing for the day, The Meadows topped its previous record handle of $1.53 million, set in July of 2023 on Adios Day.

“First off, thanks to the horsemen,” said Michael Carter, director of racing. “The last two days have been (tough) weatherwise.

“We would like to thank all the horseplayers that made us a big part of their day, and a huge thank you to our horsemen for making this card happen. We know it’s been a difficult couple of days for everyone, but we greatly appreciate their help and perseverance.”

The high temperature Thursday was 93 degrees in Meadow Lands with it being 90 at post time.

“For them to go in this heat, that’s a big deal,” Carter added. “The Standardbred is a versatile, tough animal, and they perform well in extreme conditions — extreme cold and heat.

“It’s hot and it’s humid and we all wanted to do what was right by the horses. We met with the (Meadows Standardbred Owners Association) Tuesday morning, and it was decided to go ahead with the 12:45 post times (Wednesday and Thursday). We decided it as a group. We went over all our options. We offered a night card and an early morning card. Ultimately, the decision was made to go at 12:45. You always wonder if you’re making the right decision. The great news is everyone came back safe.”

Carter said that after the third race the handle surged. In one of the races, the handle was $175,000. He added The Meadows was one of five harness tracks operating Thursday morning or afternoon.

The two-day handle of $2,696,500 is also a record, according to Roger Huston, former track announcer and a harness racing industry historian.

Dave Palone’s four wins led all drivers. The all-time winningest harness racing driver, said after the races he was wiped out physically, but it was a good day.

“It was tough and you could feel it the second you walked outside,” Palone said. “The concern is always for the horses and they stood up well. We went fast.”

The Meadows will be back in action Friday at 5:10 p.m. for a 12-race card.