Meadowlands Racetrack

Jockey Martinez Finding Success After Late Career Start; Listed To Ride In Five Races On Friday’s Monmouth At Meadowlands Card

When owners and trainers look at jockey Francisco Martinez now they no longer view him as a curiosity. Instead, they see a successful 33-year-old journeyman whose career arc continues to trend upward.

That wasn’t the case in 2024, when Martinez decided to pursue a career as a jockey, doing so as a 30-year-old apprentice.

“Honestly, age isn’t a factor anymore,” he said. “I started late. Usually bug boys are 18 or 19 and I started at 30. I thought it might be a problem at first. But the better you do the more people notice no matter what your age is.

Coming off a solid showing at Monmouth Park over the summer – he was eighth in the rider standings – and currently tied for third in standings at Parx, Martinez will make his seasonal debut at the Monmouth at Meadowlands meet on Friday when he is listed to ride in five of the six races.

He had a good reason for missing the opening weekend of the boutique meet in North Jersey, too.

On Friday, he rode eight races at Parx. On Pennsylvania Derby day last Saturday he rode in 10 races, including the first two graded stakes of his career.

His horses didn’t hit the board in either the Grade 1 Cotillion or the Grade 2 Gallant Bob, but Martinez said the experience was invaluable.

“It was awesome,” said the Boston native. “They were great opportunities to have and to have done it. They were tough races but just participating and being with those kind of riders, the best of the best, meant a lot. It was a great learning experience.”

Of Martinez’s five mounts on Friday’s Monmouth at Meadowlands all-turf card, three are for trainer Mike Dini.

The two teamed up to win a pair of stakes races over the summer at Monmouth Park – the Spruce Fir with Summer’s Comin and the Joey P with Gold Trust. Martinez won the third stakes race of his brief career on Aug. 19 aboard Margie’s Fun Son at Parx for Ron Abrams, one of his go-to trainers at that track.

“My horses are winning a lot for him,” said Dini. “Maybe he gets them to relax or maybe he just has a better feel for them. I don’t know. But from the time he started riding for me he won races so I have kept using him.”

Martinez is scheduled to ride Bet on Beth in the first race, Gold Stamp in the fifth and Khetam in the sixth for Dini on Friday.

“Mike has been a big help for me. I call him my godfather,” said Martinez. “I ride a lot for him so to win those two stakes for him at Monmouth Park meant a lot. You want to win even more for people who have helped you as much as Mike has helped me in my career.”

After riding in amateur races in 2022 and 2023 as he toyed with the idea of turning pro, Martinez won 107 races as an apprentice in 2024. That total dropped to 72 last year largely because of five broken ribs suffered in a spill at Parx that sidelined him for more than three months.

This year he has 77 wins.

His late career start was due mostly because he was still figuring out what to do for a living, having grown up just outside defunct Suffolk Park and tagging along as a youngster with his father, a long-time assistant to Mike Aro on the old New England circuit.

Now he has set even higher goals for himself as an established rider.

“Winning a graded stakes race is the next goal,” he said. “I’m also thinking about moving my tack, maybe to New York. I need to talk to my agent (Richard Englander) about what’s next. Right now I’m doing really well at Parx, so we’ll see.”

On Saturday, October 3rd, fans can come out and meet NY Mets and NY Yankees legend

The evening starts with a Q&A moderated by radio and TV host

Gooden will provide career highlights with both the Mets and Yankees and take questions from the audience. Following the discussion, he will sign autographs and take photos.

Doc burst onto the scene with the New York Mets in 1984, becoming the youngest All-Star ever and winning National League Rookie of the Year at 19 with a rookie-record 276 strikeouts. The next season he delivered one of the greatest pitching years ever recorded — 24–4 with a 1.53 ERA and 268 strikeouts — capturing the NL Cy Young Award and the pitching Triple Crown at age 20.

A four-time All-Star, Gooden anchored the 1986 World Series champion Mets and went on to earn three World Series rings, adding a no-hitter at Yankee Stadium in May 1996. He was inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame in 2010, and in 2024 the Mets retired his No. 16 at Citi Field.

This free event runs from 6-9 pm in the 2nd-floor Lounge. Seating is first-come, first served, with food and beverages available for purchase. Live Thoroughbred turf racing is also scheduled for 7 pm.

More info at PlayMeadowlands.com

Racing resumes at the all-turf Monmouth at Meadowlands meet this Friday and Saturday with six-race cards each night. First race post time is 7 p.m.

We have two more shows on FS2 this season -
Saturday, October 31 with the Kindergarten Finals
Saturday, November 14 - Fall Final 4 & FanDuel Championships

– ACL is hosting the 2nd THE JIMMY HOFFA CO****LE CLASSIC 🌽 at The Meadowland’s Racetrack!

The Garden State Co****le Alliance will be hosting a MASSIVE EVENT!!!
CAPPED AT 100 Teams!!!! First come first serve!

$1,000 added to PAYOUTS!!!

FORMAT – ACL REGIONAL POINTS – BYOP DOUBLES EVENT.
4 Game Rounders – UPPER & LOWER DIVISION

Each Team will be guaranteed 6 matches – 4 Rounders (For Seeding) & Double Elimination.

Registration opens SEPTEMBER, and will be live through the ACL App.
NEW PLAYERS – https://app.iplayacl.com/join

Congratulations to Hall of Fame driver Tetrick Racing!

He became just the sixth driver in North American harness racing history to reach the 15,000-win milestone this past Monday.

Thoroughbreds won’t be the only horses fans will come out to see this weekend at the Meadowlands Racetrack. The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales will visit the East Rutherford oval for a special appearance this Friday, September 25.

Fans can meet and greet the gentle giants from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the track apron near the winner’s circle. They can then watch in amazement as the eight-horse hitch team parades around the track after the night’s third race.

The first turf race post time is 7 pm.

Admission and general parking are free.

This event is weather permitting. For the most up-to-date event information, visit www.playmeadowlands.com.

We offer a wide range of event spaces suitable for family gatherings, birthday parties, holiday parties, and game day watch parties.

The Gallery has sixteen LED screens and one 220” jumbo screen. It features a private bar, lounge, and table seating, and overlooks the FanDuel Sportsbook. The Gallery is ideal for alumni watch parties and game-day gatherings.

A variety of beverage and dining options, along with customizable menus, ensure your event feels personalized and well-catered, from casual BBQs to upscale cocktail hours.

Experience exclusivity at its best with the Skybox Suites, private rooms that offer both stadium-style and table seating. With movable walls, parties of up to 200 people can enjoy buffet dining and unobstructed views of the racing action.

Trackside is located on the ground floor of the track and is an expansive area perfect for galas, receptions, large corporate events, and trade shows.

The East Deck and Victory Rooftop Terrace provide exceptional views of the racing action and sweeping views of the NYC skyline. The outdoor lounge seating is perfect for cocktail parties and receptions.

The track’s covered West Deck is a versatile space that offers an incredible finish line view with direct access to the promenade and grandstand. Its large, open layout makes it an excellent option for bigger parties and BBQs.

Book a private tour today with Andrea Lokshin at [email protected] or 201-842-5013. View our spaces and take a 360-degree tour at https://playmeadowlands.com/party/ to simplify your planning process.

Meet NY Mets Legend Dwight “Doc” Gooden - Saturday, October 3, 2026
Time: 6-9pm, 2nd floor Lounge

Join Doc as he relives his remarkable baseball career through a special Q&A guided by host Marc Malusis. Grab a photo and autograph after the discussion!

Free admission; seating first come, first served.

It's time for pie! Put your baking skills to the test in our first ever Pie Palooza on Saturday, November 7.

Register here - https://www.cognitoforms.com/MeadowlandsRacetrack1/PiePalooza

Categories & Prizes
Fruit/Berry Pie
* $500 Grand Prize
* $250 – 2nd place
* $100 – 3rd place

Apple Pie:
* $500 Grand Prize
* $250 – 2nd place
* $100 – 3rd place

Savory Pie:
* $500 Grand Prize
* $250 – 2nd place
* $100 – 3rd place

Cream Based:
(ie Boston Cream)
* $500 Grand Prize
* $250 – 2nd place
* $100 – 3rd place

Pie Eating
Must be 18+
* $500 Grand Prize
* $250 – 2nd place
* $100 – 3rd place