New paddock at The Meadows to open March 6

The Meadows, which has been conducting live racing from a temporary paddock for more than four months, will officially open its new paddock on Thursday, March 6.

Development of the new facility began after the old paddock and the track's historic grandstand were razed in mid-August as part of the construction of a permanent racetrack and casino. That facility is targeted for 2009 completion.

John Marshall, vice president for racing at The Meadows, thanked all horsemen for their patience and cooperation while the new paddock was under construction.

“Our horsemen exhibited a tremendous collaborative spirit in enduring winter conditions in the temporary paddock,” he said. “Their cooperation is a key element in allowing us to continue racing through construction.”

The 38,500-square-foot facility is located on the site of the track's original paddock, which had been converted in recent years to a ship-in barn and offices for the Pennsylvania Harness Racing Commission. It will provide horsemen with many amenities, including a horsemen's lounge, kitchen, equine testing lab, state of the art HVAC and audio/visual equipment. 

While the old paddock housed four races (a “show paddock” held a fifth), the new facility can hold up to 11 races, increasing convenience for horsemen.

The Meadows staggered implementation of the new paddock to assure a smooth transition. The first qualifiers out of the new facility were staged Wednesday, followed by a discussion among horsemen and judges to address any concerns. A second round of qualifiers from the new paddock is set for March 5 prior to the formal opening the following day.

“The staggered opening schedule offers people the chance to familiarize themselves with the new building while giving us the opportunity to troubleshoot systems, nail down final details and relocate the PHRC,” Marshall said. (The Meadows)

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