The final weekend of live racing for the Meadowlands Racetrack’s 2017 championship meet, including Saturday's giant Hambletonian Day extravaganza, will kick off this Friday night with a 12-race card that will kick off at 7:15 p.m.

Friday's featured races are divisions of the Duenna and Townsend Ackerman, which are unofficial consolation races for the Hambletonian and Oaks.

The Hambletonian festivities get underway on Friday evening with the Hambletonian Charity Casino Night and Poker Tournament. The proceeds will benefit the Hall of Fame Museum and Standardbred Retirement Foundation. Reservations are available and recommended.

Saturday is, of course, the ‘Greatest Day in Harness Racing,’ featuring the Hambletonian on a card with $3.5 million in purses and activities galore. Post time on Saturday is noon and the gates will open at 10 a.m.

With the weather expected to cooperate, the crowd will be a large one with a Hambletonian hat giveaway and plenty of family outdoor activities in the Backyard. Outdoor seating may be reserved and reservations for indoor dining are very limited so call 201-460-4079 right away to inquire.

For those unable to attend, the Hambletonian and Oaks along with the Sam McKee Memorial FFA pace will be broadcast on the CBS Sports Network from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. Hosts Justin Horowitz, Dave Brower and Gary Seibel will describe the action.

All pertinent information may be found on the Meadowlands or Hambletonian Society websites.

(With files from the Meadowlands)