from the Meadowlands Media Relations Department

East Rutherford, NJ — Mauro Castano of the hit TLC reality show “Cake Boss” gave the media a preview of the cake Carlo’s Bakery of Hoboken, N.J., will create for the 30th anniversary of the Hambletonian at Meadowlands Racetrack on Saturday (August 6).

Castano presented his chocolate covered version of the Hambletonian trophy to the drivers and trainers who will compete for the $1.5 million Hambletonian at a press conference held Tuesday (August 2).

Lisa photo

Pictured (left to right) with the chocolate covered version of the Hambletonian trophy are Jimmy Takter, John Campbell, Erv Miller, Jonas Czernyson, Homer Hochstetler, George Brennan, Mauro Castano, Noel Daley, Andy Miller, Linda Toscano and Tony Dinges.

Carlo’s Bakery will unveil a giant cake commemorating 30 years of Hambletonian champions at Meadowlands Racetrack on Hambetonian Day.

The cake will be on display throughout Hambletonian Day on the Paddock Level at the Meadowlands and some lucky fans will receive the chance to taste the bakery’s creation! When fans pass through the turnstiles that morning, they will receive a random coupon (while supplies last) representing the saddlecloth of one of the 2011 Hambletonian contenders. Once the race is over, fans who have the winning horse’s number will receive instructions on how to redeem their coupon for a piece of the celebration cake.

Each week, Carlo’s Bakery turns out thousands of wedding cakes, specialty cakes and pastries. Their award winning confections have been featured in books, newspapers and television, including Food Network and most notably, The Learning Channel.

Harness racing’s most coveted prize, the $1.5 million Hambletonian, moved to its current home at Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford, N.J., in 1981. The must-see event attracts a crowd of over 25,000 fans each year who turn out to watch the sport’s richest race and enjoy the country fair that surrounds it. Each year, the Hambletonian is simulcast to 600 wagering outlets across North America and Europe. The 2011 Hambletonian and companion $750,000 Hambletonian Oaks for fillies will be televised live on NBC Sports from 3-4 p.m. (EDT).

Gates open 9:30 a.m. on Hambletonian Day at the Meadowlands. First race post time is 11:30 a.m. Go to www.MeadowlandsRacetrack.com for more information.