East Rutherford, NJ – The Meadowlands Racetrack’s annual Horseplay promotion is back, and track guests have a chance to win a brand new 2026 Toyota Camry LE Hybrid. Horseplay spans the entirety of the championship meet, Friday (May 1) through Friday, Aug. 7.
To enter, fans complete the online registration form and proceed to the Players Club Desk or Horseplay table in front of the Winner’s Circle, where they can pick up a FREE horse to toss for the 2026 Toyota Camry LE Hybrid. Participants attempt to throw their numbered horse into the window of a moving car. A winner, randomly chosen from all the horses that make it into the car, will receive a $100 betting voucher. Each night’s winner will be entered into a grand prize drawing for a brand new 2026 Toyota Camry LE Hybrid on Friday, Aug. 7. After the horse toss each night, children get to pick up all the horses left on the track and receive a FREE ice cream from The Cafe.
Horseplay gives back: For every horse that makes it into the Horseplay car, the Meadowlands Racetrack donates $5 to the designated monthly charity. The May donation recipient is Fighting H.A.R.D. Foundation, the June donation recipient is Trot Trot Standardbreds , and the July/August donation recipient is HorseSense Therapeutic Center.
PLENTY OF ACTION ON DERBY DAY
On Saturday (May 2) join the Meadowlands Racetrack for an exciting day and night of simulcast & live racing action, including the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby from Churchill Downs.
Grandstand doors open at 9 a.m., and parking and admission are free. Outdoor table dining at the Café and limited indoor seating/dining in the Lounge are available. Tables can be reserved here.
The Backyard Bar & Grill and the Victory Rooftop Terrace will also open at noon. The Terrace also features a DJ. For $15, guests can grab a specialty sangria served in an official commemorative 2026 Kentucky Derby glass.
Ladies can express their fashion sense and style by entering the $1,000 Derby Hat Contest, with no limits on how over-the-top the headwear can get. The most creative hat wins the $500 grand prize. Sign up between 2 p.m. and 4:45 p.m., with the judging at 5 p.m. in the Winner’s Circle.
All guests aged 18 or older can enter the $50 Derby Win Wager contest. Ten lucky contestants will be selected to place a $50 win wager on any horse they choose in the Kentucky Derby. Online entry is available here.
For added convenience, those just wanting to make wagers on the Derby can utilize the walk-up teller located in Lot M. The teller will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday (May 1) and Saturday (May 2).
After the Derby, guests are welcome to enjoy a night of live harness racing at the Meadowlands, with the first post time set for 6:35 p.m. The race card features the Dexter Cup (G3) and the filly division Lady Suffolk for 3-year-old trotters.
Pink, the tiered dining room with perfect views of the live racing action, will feature Southern-inspired options on the $69.95 buffet. Pink will open early at 4 p.m., and reservations are strongly recommended. To reserve a table, call 201-THE-BIG-M (201-843-2446).
Prizes continue into the night with 10 $50-win wagers on live harness racing. The 10 contestants will be selected throughout the night. Online entry is available here.
Reminder, you must be 18+ to enter wagers on racing and promotions.