Aug 28, 2013 2 min read

When The Meadows racetrack resumes racing Tuesday, following a two-week hiatus for track restoration, fans will notice several changes, including larger fields for select races and a week of cash drawings.

The most significant developments are the improvements to the racing surface – which will feature restored banking in turns and a limestone-silica composition expected to be more resilient in rain and snow – and a new racing schedule. With only two exceptions, The Meadows will offer daylight racing exclusively through the end of 2013 with a 12:55 p.m. post time for each card.

Other changes include 10-horse fields, cash drawings and handicapping contests. The Meadows will offer as many as eight races per week with 10-horse fields; since the track starts nine across, each of those races will include a horse leaving from the second tier. The track collaborated with the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association on the expanded-fields concept.

“Races with trailers should be more challenging to handicap,” said Meadows Racing president Mike Jeannot. “We expect that to provide bigger payoffs and more carryovers in our Pick 4, Pick 5 and Superfecta wagers.”

The Meadows will give away $1,000 over the four live programs from Sept. 3 to Sept. 6. Five times during each day’s card, one lucky fan will win $50 and a Meadows 50th anniversary T-shirt.

Each Saturday in September, Racing Player Rewards members can participate in Thoroughbred handicapping contests, with Churchill Downs the featured track.