from the Meadowlands Media Relations Department

East Rutherford, NJ — World-class live harness racing returns to the Meadowlands on Friday (Nov. 13) as the New Jersey track opens its annual Fall/Winter meet. Racing will take place on Friday and Saturday nights throughout the winter (excluding Christmas Day) at a new earlier post time of 7 p.m.

The first 3,500 fans ages 18 and over attending opening night will receive a mystery voucher that can be redeemed and could be worth up to $500. All vouchers will be worth at least two dollars. Fillies and mares will be showcased on the track with elimination races for the $450,000 Goldsmith Maid and the $400,000 Three Diamonds plus divisions of the TVG Series for older trotting mares and pacing mares.

Opening weekend continues Saturday (Nov. 14). Fans wagering on-track using self-service machines will have the chance to receive a variety of instant prizes ranging from betting vouchers to food and beverage coupons that will print directly on the self-service machines. The prizes will print out at random intervals after a wager is placed.

“Since the end of Hambletonian Day in August, we have been looking forward to the return of live racing here at Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment,” said Jason M. Settlemoir, CEO and General Manager. “The season starts with some exciting promotions and big-time stakes races that are sure to be must-see events for our fans.”

The excitement continues on Nov. 20-21 with the $1.68 million Fall Final Four stakes for harness racing’s top 2-year-olds, the $1.2 million finals of the TVG Free For All Series for the sport’s top older horses and the Tarport Hap and Continentalvictory, the year’s final top stakes events for 3-year-old fillies.

Fans will have the chance to win one of several free $500 win wagers. Plus, harness racing’s richest horse of all-time, Foiled Again, will be honored with a variety of celebrations including contests to win a Foiled Again Breyer Horse model autographed by his driver, Yannick Gingras, and his trainer, Ron Burke.

“Between the important year-end stakes races, exciting promotions, and upscale dining, there are plenty of reasons for fans to come out to the Meadowlands as we kick off the fall racing season,” said Settlemoir.

Reservations can be made at Pink Restaurant, the upscale dining room on the track’s third floor overlooking the racetrack. Executive Chef Dennis Sammarone, a well-known veteran of the New York City dining scene, creates a rotating seasonal menu. Tableside cocktail service compliments the delicious fare, which includes dishes such as fresh seasonal salads, authentically prepared pastas, a variety of entrees and delicious desserts. Call 201.THE.BIGM for reservations or visit www.opentable.com.

For complete racing and promotional schedule plus updated dining menus, visit www.playmeadowlands.com.