East Rutherford, NJ — On Saturday (May 3), join the Meadowlands Racetrack for an exciting day and night of simulcast and live racing action, including the 151st 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.
Victory Rooftop Terrace will also open at noon and feature a DJ. For $15, guests can grab a specialty margarita cocktail in an official commemorative 2025 Kentucky Derby glass.
Ladies can express their fashion sense and style by entering the $1,000 Derby Hat Contest without boundaries on how over-the-top the headwear can go. The most creative hat wins the $500 grand prize. Sign up between 2-4:45 p.m. with the judging at 5 p.m. in the winner’s circle.
All guests over 18 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 who just want to make wagers on the Derby can utilize the walk-up teller in Lot M. The teller will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday (May 2) and Saturday (May 3).
After the Derby, guests are welcome to enjoy a night of live harness racing at the Meadowlands, with the first post time set for 6:20 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 live racing action views, will feature Southern-inspired options on the $64.95 buffet. Pink will open early at 4 p.m. and reservations are strongly recommended. To reserve a table, call 201.843.2446.
Prizes continue into the night with ten $50 win wagers on live harness racing. The ten contestants will be selected throughout the night. Online entry is available here.
Fans can also participate in the Horseplay Car Giveaway by picking up a free horse to toss. Participants attempt to throw their numbered horse into the window of a moving car. A winner, randomly chosen from all the horses that enter the vehicle, will receive a $100 betting voucher. The 27 winners will be entered into the Horseplay final drawing on Friday (Aug. 1) and have a chance to win the 2025 GR86 through a reverse drawing.