from the Meadowlands Media Relations Department
East Rutherford, NJ — Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment kicks off the Championship Meet on Friday (May 4) and runs through Hambletonian Day on Saturday (Aug. 4). Live racing takes place every Friday and Saturday night with a 7:15 p.m. post time. The Championship Meet features more than $8.5 million in stakes races and event-filled weekends.
Every live race night fans can enter Horseplay. Pick up a free horse at the promotions table and throw the horse into the car for a chance to win $100 and an entry into the Friday (Aug. 3) drawing for a brand new 2018 car. For every horse that makes it into the Horseplay car, Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment donates $10 to the designated monthly charity. The May donation recipient is K9 Soldiers, Inc./The Argos Project, the June donation recipient is Bergen County Horse Rescue, and the July/August donation recipient is Homefront.
On Saturday (May 5), join Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment for an exciting day and night of simulcast and live racing action, including the 144th running of the Kentucky Derby from Churchill Downs. Fans can enter the $1,000 Derby Hat contest and the $100 win wager promotion and enjoy the $49.95 Victory Sports Bar Buffet. For reservations call 201.843.2446.
On Saturday (May 19), the beer will flow for the third annual Spring Beer Fest. Doors open for VIP ($75) at 4:30 p.m. with general admission ($35) at 5:30 p.m. and beer is poured until 9:30 p.m. Fest-goers will experience an evening of the best craft beer, cider, live harness racing, music and food the Garden State has to offer with more than 30 breweries and cideries participating. Tickets can be purchased at https://bit.ly/2pKYx3k.
The third annual Battle for the Best Burger is slated for Saturday (June 9). The contest offers a $1,500 grand prize with $1,000 for second place and $500 for third. This free event runs from 12 noon-10 p.m. and fans are encouraged to come out and taste some of the best local burgers.
Camels and ostriches will thunder down the stretch at Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment for the seventh annual Camel & Ostrich Derby on Saturday (June 16).
On Saturday (June 23), the vino will flow at Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment for the Summer Wine Festival. Doors open for VIP admission ($75) at 4:30 p.m. with general admission ($35) at 5:30 p.m. and wine is poured until 9:30 p.m. Fest-goers will experience an evening of great wines from around the world, live harness racing, music and food. Tickets are available at this link.
Saturday (July 7) is Fan Appreciation Night and the inaugural Wiener Dog Derby. Fans can enjoy $1 hot dogs, popcorn, soda and draft beer while watching dachshunds dash down the track’s stretch in our Wiener Dog Derby. Plus following the races fans are encouraged to stay for the free fireworks show. Racing features a special post time of 6:35 p.m.
Then on Saturday (July 14) the third annual BBQ Battle returns to the track on Crawford Farms Meadowlands Pace Night. A total of $2,000 is up for grabs in the Battle with $500 top prizes for the best brisket, chicken, pulled pork and ribs. Plus on the track, the top 3-year-old pacers compete for the $600,000 Meadowlands Pace title. Racing features a special post time of 6:35 p.m.
The always popular Seafood Festival is scheduled for its fifth year on Saturday (July 28). The Pink buffet, overlooking the live racing action, will feature a special seafood-themed spread including lobster, mussels and clams. There will also be a raw bar in the Backyard and a variety of food trucks serving up some of the best seafood in the Garden State.
The race meet wraps up on Saturday (Aug. 4) with the greatest day in harness racing — $1 million Hambletonian Day. More than $3.5 million is on the line as the top trotters and pacers compete to be crowned champions. Doors open at 10 a.m. with first race at 12 noon. Admission is $5 and includes a commemorative Hambo baseball cap for adults and a horse keychain for children. In addition to the great harness racing, fans can enjoy carnival rides and games, pony rides, face painters, live music and much more.
For a complete list of nightly events, promotions and updated racing calendar please visit www.PlayMeadowlands.com. Dining reservations for the Pink buffet or Victory Sports bar can be made by calling 201.843.2446) or by visiting www.Playmeadowlands.com/dining.
Looking to book a corporate event or private party? Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment has unlimited event possibilities — from a rooftop terrace with skyline views, to Victory Sports Bar to private Skybox Suites. Book a party today by emailing catering@playmeadowlands.com.