from the Meadowlands Media Relations Department

East Rutherford, NJ — Stakes finals, dollar specials and a handicapping tournament highlight the last week of racing before Meadowlands Racetrack’s spring break.

The action starts Thursday (March 24) as 10 of the toughest trotters tussle in the $74,000 Horse and Groom final, while Some Girls Do bids for her second series sweep in the $53,800 Night Styles.

Closing night is also Dollar Night on Saturday (March 26). Guests can enjoy $1 concessions (hot dog, small soda, small coffee and bagel) and live racing programs all night long. The best bet in racing also starts at just $1. The Saturday Pick Four features a $100,000 guaranteed pool, low 15 percent takeout and average $3,000 payout for a $1 wager.

An estimated $12,000 in prize money is also up for grabs Saturday in the National Harness Handicapping Championship Qualifier. The top three finishers are expected to qualify for the 2011 National Harness Handicapping Championship, the only tournament featuring a $50,000 guaranteed prize pool, on July 9 at the Meadowlands. Prize money is paid out to the Top 10, plus players keep their bankrolls. Complete rules available at MeadowlandsRacetrack.com.

Guests are advised to allow extra travel time into the sports complex March 26 due to the evening soccer game at New Meadowlands Stadium.

Meadowlands Racetrack will be dark during the month of April. Live racing resumes on Saturday, May 7, with Thursday-Saturday night cards through Hambletonian Day, Saturday, August 6. A special matinee will be raced on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 8 (post time 1:10 p.m.). Weekend-only cards will be raced the two weeks following the Hambletonian, August 12-13 and August 19-20.