East Rutherford, NJ — This past Saturday night (May 14), the Meadowlands Racetrack held its third annual Charity Handicapping Contest. Nine local charitable organizations were selected to compete for their share of $14,500.

Horse Rescue United accepts the $5,000 first place check in the Charity Handicapping Contest. Lisa photo.

Horse Rescue United took the lead after the fourth race when they hit on their $2 across the board wager on Bayfield Beach. They racked up $51 from that race and finished with a final bankroll of $99.60. This was Horse Rescue United’s second win in the Meadowlands Charity Contest. The organization took home the top prize in the 2021 contest.

Coming in second with $75.60 was the Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization of New Jersey, with the Wayne Police Athletic League finishing third with $67.20.

“This is tremendous,” said Sue Cohen, the representative from Horse Rescue United. “This contest is so much fun and what makes the win extra special is that this helps so many horses under our care.”

The full Charity Handicapping Contest standings are below:

Charity–Total–Donation
Horse Rescue United, Inc — $99.60 — $5,000
Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization of New Jersey — $75.60 — $3,000
Wayne Police Athletic League — $67.20 — $2,000
Horse Park of New Jersey — $45.20 — $1,500
Act Now Foundation Inc. — $39.40 — $1,000
North Jersey Friendship House — $36.50 — $500
Homeless Animal Adoption League, Inc. — $26.00 — $500
CBH Care — $25.40 — $500
Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Hunterdon County — $23.90 — $500

For the Charity Handicapping Contest, organizations had to select one horse in nine designated Meadowlands live races. The organization amassed a mythical bankroll if their selection finished first, second or third in the designated race. Official $2 win, place, show payoffs were added to the mythical bankroll. The organization with the highest bankroll was declared the winner.

Each organization came out with a crew of volunteers and supporters that thoroughly enjoyed their night at the races which included winner’s circle presentations.

“We want to have a positive impact on our community which is why we plan on running this promotion every year,” said Jason Settlemoir, COO and GM of Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment. “Seeing these organizations bringing out family and friends and enjoying the races is exciting.”

For more information on the upcoming events and racing, visit PlayMeadowlands.com.