Dennis Ritchie of Carlstadt, New Jersey walked away with a 2024 Toyota Corolla as the grand prize winner of Meadowlands Racetrack’s 2024 Horseplay promotion.

Ritchie, a loyal Meadowlands customer, has participated in Horseplay since its inception in 2015.

“This is a fun promotion the Meadowlands runs,” said Ritchie after his name was drawn. “Thank you to everyone at the track for making this happen. Winning the car is just great!”

During Horseplay, participants trackside attempted to throw their numbered toy horse into the window of a moving car. A winner, randomly chosen from all the horses that made it into the car, received a $100 betting voucher. Each night’s winner was entered into the grand prize drawing for the Toyota Camry.

For every horse that made it into the Horseplay car, Meadowlands Racetrack donated $5 USD to the designated monthly charity and $5 USD to the Purple Haze Standardbred Adoption Program. For the 2024 season, $6,870 USD was donated to four charities.

The May donation recipient was Special Strides, which received $900 USD. This non-profit organization is devoted to improving the lives of individuals with special needs. Through a unique combination of therapy, horses and the natural environment, individuals achieve goals appropriate for therapy, recreation and education. Special Strides allows all individuals to “improve their lives… one stride at a time” regardless of financial status.

For The Love Of Standardbreds was the June Horseplay recipient, receiving $1,115 USD. The organization facilitates the placement of Standardbred ex-racehorses in second careers by increasing demand for them in equestrian sports and assisting the farms, trainers and organizations that desire to transition them to an alternative lifestyle.

Creature Comfort Pet Therapy was the July/August charity recipient that provides caring volunteers dedicated to sharing their pet’s love by engaging people in a variety of community settings. Creature Comfort received $1,420 USD from The Meadowlands.

The Purple Haze Standardbred Adoption Program received $3,435 USD over the three-month promotion.

Since 2015, Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment has donated nearly $70,000 USD to local charities through Horseplay.

(With files from Meadowlands Racetrack)