New Meadowlands operator reaches Hambletonian deal

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) - The new operator of the Meadowlands Racetrack has reached an agreement that will keep the Hambletonian at the northern New Jersey harness track.

Leaseholder Jeff Gural and the Hambletonian Society, which owns and administers trotting's most prestigious race, finalized the deal on Tuesday.

Under the agreement, there will be changes in the race with a return to the heat format in 2013 and the addition of a Hambletonian Maturity for 4-year-old trotters in 2014.

The Hambletonian has been the flagship event at The Meadowlands for 30 years.