Meadowlands Racetrack will kick off its Championship Meet this Friday, May 3, with live harness racing every Friday and Saturday night with a 6:20 p.m. post time. The Championship Meet features more than $8 million USD in stakes races as well as event-filled weekends.

Each 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 USD and an entry into the Friday, Aug. 2 drawing for a brand new 2024 Toyota Camry.

On Saturday, May 4, fans are invited out to the track for an exciting day and night of simulcast and live racing action, including simulcasting of the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby from Churchill Downs. Fans are encouraged to wear their best fascinator or hat for a chance to win cash in the track's $1,000 USD Derby Hat Contest. Afternoon dining for both the Lounge and the outdoor Café can be purchased online by clicking here.

Also on Saturday, May 4, the Meadowlands will host its annual Beer Fest. Doors open for VIP ($65 USD per ticket) at 4 p.m. and for General Admission ($45 USD in advance or $50 USD at the door) at 5 p.m.; beer will be poured until 9 p.m. Fest-goers will tasted brews from 60 breweries and cideries including local New Jersey favourites. Tickets can be purchased online by clicking here.

The second annual Stakes And Steaks night takes place on Saturday, May 11. Teams can register to compete in two steak cook-off categories plus bonus hotdog and cocktail categories. Those interested in competing can register by clicking here. This fun night also has great local food trucks, including the Mozzarella God, Freakin Empanadas, Eat My Balls, Antojitos de Mi Tierra, Uncle Bob’s Kettle Corn, Bitch’n Bacon, Cat Like Reflexes and Clydes Homemade Italian Ice and Ice Cream. Plus fans can enter to win a three-night stay at Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas and Rolling Stones tickets. 

On Saturday, May 18, the track will host a free handicapping contest with a $10,000 USD total prize pool, with prize payouts to the top 10 finishers. Fans may register up until 6:30 p.m. on the night of the contest in the Clubhouse Lobby. There is no entry fee.

The fifth annual Charity Handicapping Contest will return on Saturday, May 25. The charity contest is a free handicapping challenge open to 501C3 organizations. The contest offers a $15,000 USD total donation/prize pool, with all 10 charities receiving a donation. Interested not-for-profit organizations must apply to participate by emailing Rachel Ryan at [email protected] by Thursday, May 16.

The annual Sportscasters Charity Derby, two harness races to benefit each participating sportscaster's selected charitable organizations, will take place on Friday, May 31. There will be two charity races with four sportscasters participating in each race. Meadowlands Racetrack will donate $5,000 USD to each of the two winning sportscasters' selected charities and will also make a $1,000 USD donation to the six other sportscaster selected charities. Participating sportscasters are listed below.

• Charity Race 1 (After Harness Race 3)
  • Chris Lopresti (WFAN660, CBS Sports Radio, SiriusXM) – Racing for St. Barnabus Hospital Health System
  • Don LaGreca (ESPN-NY 98.7 FM) – Racing for Ronald McDonald House
  • Chelsea Sherrod (SNY) – Racing for Grow Our Game
  • Mark Cannizzaro (NY Post) – Racing for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
• Charity Race 2 (After Harness Race 5)
  • Maria Marino (Action Network) – Racing for American Cancer Society/Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
  • Marc Malusis (PIX11, SNY, WFAN) – Racing for Make-A-Wish Foundation
  • Perry Sook (PIX11) – Racing for St. Barnabus Hospital Health System
  • Keith Irizarry (MLB Network) – Racing for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

For a complete list of nightly events, promotions and updated racing calendar, visit playmeadowlands.com.

Dining reservations for the Pink buffet can be made by calling 201-The-BigM (201-843-2446) or by visiting the Meadowlands website.

Looking to book a corporate event or private party? Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment has unlimited event possibilities, from a rooftop terrace with skyline views, to Trackside to private Skybox Suites. Book a party today by emailing [email protected].

(With files from Meadowlands Racetrack)