Horses, jockeys, and trainers will experience a new racing surface on September 30 when the Meadowlands begins its seven-week Thoroughbred meeting.The East Rutherford, New Jersey, facility used more than 11,000 tons of material to produce the new sand, clay, and loam surface on its one-mile main track.

"We've taken a number of steps which we think will produce the best possible racing surface for the Thoroughbred horsemen," said John Chevalier, director of properties at the Meadowlands. "The material we purchased…has been double screened to dramatically reduce stones that can show up in racing material."

The transition from the Standardbred surface to the Thoroughbred track took place in one day on September 13 and has drawn positive reviews. The racing surface had not been completely replaced in several years.

"I've never seen the racetrack look so good," said Mike Musto, executive director of the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association. "It looks impeccable, outstanding."

The $250,000 Pegasus Stakes (G3), a 1 1/8-mile race for three-year-olds on the main track, will headline the opening-day card. Travers Stakes (G1) winner Flower Alley, Haskell Invitational Handicap (G1) winner Roman Ruler, Belmont Stakes (G1) runner-up Andromeda's Hero, and Pennsylvania Derby (G2) winner Sun King were listed among the early entrants for the Pegasus.

The 30-date meet at Meadowlands features night racing from Wednesday through Saturday nights with a first post time of 7:30 p.m.

Matinee programs will begin being held on Tuesdays in October. The meet runs through November 12.