Nordic Catcher S outpaced favored-to-win Super Chapter by a length, clinching the 100th edition of the $1 million Hambletonian at the Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and also setting a stakes record of 1:50.
This is the third Hambletonian win for Nordic Catcher S trainer and driver Åke Svanstedt. Svanstedt previously won the Hambletonian as trainer and driver with Perfect Spirit in 2017 and Captain Corey in 2021. He’s the sixth trainer in history to drive at least winners.
Super Chapter finished second, followed by Maryland in third place. The previous stakes record was 1:51, set in 2009 by Muscle Hill and matched in 2020 by Ramona Hill.
Nordic Catcher S is owned by Svanstedt Inc. and Little E LLC, headed by Meadowlands Chairman and CEO Jeff Gural. It was Gural’s first win in the Hambletonian, the Meadowlands Racetrack said. Last year, he won the Hambletonian Oaks, the $500,000 filly companion race to the Hambletonian, with Svanstedt trained and driven Warrawee Michelle.
“Truthfully, I’ve been waiting to give this trophy to myself,” Gural said during the winner’s circle celebration. “There is nobody I’d rather be partners with than Ake and (his wife) Sarah. They’ve done an amazing job. I give Ake and Sarah all the credit.”
“It was a freak,” Gural said. “We all looked at a Six Pack bred to a pacing mare, and it being such a good horse. It’s a real thrill.”
Nordic Catcher S has won five of 10 races and earned $813,285.
Runner-up Super Chapter and third-place Maryland are both trained by Marcus Melander, who had four horses in the final. It was the third time in seven years that he finished second and third in a Hambletonian., the Meadowlands Racetrack said.
About the Hambletonian
Typically held on the first Saturday in August, The Hambletonian is the first leg of the Triple Crown of Harness Racing for Trotters. Named for founding sire Hambletonian 10, the race is considered the richest and most prestigious event for three-year-old trotters.
Since 1981, The Hambletonian made its home at the Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The inaugural race took place in 1926 at the New York State Fair in Syracuse. It was moved several times throughout its history before coming to the Meadowlands Racetrack.
About Meadowlands Racetrack
Owned by the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority and operated by New Meadowlands Racetrack LLC, the Meadowlands Racetrack hosts both harness and thoroughbred racing. The main track is a one-mile oval, with a stretch length of 990 feet and a width of 90 feet.
The venue is known for its night racing activities and offers a variety of entertainment options, including the FanDuel Sportsbook. The track also hosts a range of events and festivals throughout the year, including food truck and beer fests, concerts, and more.
The 180,000 square foot grandstand built in 2013 can accommodate 2,200 people, with a track apron that can hold up to 10,000 people. There are also several indoor and outdoor dining options available on-site.
