A fun night was had by all who attended the casino-themed fundraiser held on Hambletonian eve at the Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment facility in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The harness racing community once again showed its robust support for two of the sport’s most important charities – the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame and the Standardbred Retirement Foundation (SRF).

Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment was the presenting sponsor of the Aug. 2 event where 70 people played blackjack, roulette and craps, and 22 competed in the poker tournament. Reynaldo Suarez, the poker champion, will enjoy an all-expenses-paid trip to Las Vegas sponsored by Roberts Communications and The Meadowlands.

The best bid auction included New York Yankees tickets, Walsh harness products, horse-themed furniture items and a basket filled with maple delights. Auction items were donated by Northwood Bloodstock and Bluestone Farms, Callie Davies-Gooch and Ellen Harvey. Raffle prizes included a Ring camera, Hambletonian and Breeders Crown specialty baskets, electronics, jewelry and an autographed Yankees baseball. Raffle prizes were donated by Brian Cashman, Suzanne D’Ambrose, Callie Davies-Gooch, Ellen Harvey and the United States Trotting Association. Kathleen Estes produced the graphics for the event.

A buffet dinner and open bar were provided throughout the evening to go with a great night of racing and gaming. Odds On Racing sponsored the High Roller Dinner, Arden Homestead Stable sponsored the open bar and American Cool Air was the Jackpot sponsor. Other sponsors included three sets of drivers – Top Dogs, Young Guns and Yonkers Drivers – several trainers and Tim Betts/UFO Bikes. Burke Racing Stable and Scott Farber were again sponsors. The entire event was generously supported and sponsored by The Hambletonian Society. 

The money raised will be shared equally by the two charities. The Museum is planning new exhibits including the 100th Anniversary of the Hambletonian as well as art conservation projects, and the SRF is caring for more than 400 horses. The money that was raised is an important first step in achieving goals for both groups.  

Charitable events have been part of Hambletonian festivities since 1991 and have raised nearly $1.5 million USD over the years.

(With files from Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame)