The Meadowlands is always looking for ways to get people to come to the track, and it has something grand to do just that. Make that 10 grand.

For patrons who enjoy the on-track experience, The Big M is providing a competition that not only provides a challenge, but plenty of prize money as well. And for those who do well during the course of the 2025 Meadowlands Monthly Handicapping Contest, a huge pot of gold awaits at the end of the rainbow.

This Saturday, April 19 will mark the fourth of 10 installments of the contest, each of which offers $1,000 USD in prize money, which is divided up among the top four finishers.

The top two finishers from each of the 10 monthly tournaments get to return for an invitation-only, end-of-the-year competition with $10,000 USD up for grabs for just 20 outstanding players on Saturday, Dec. 13.

Sean Loebs, a 34-year-old track regular and horse owner who was the winner of the March qualifier, recognizes many good things about the competition.

“The unique format of this contest is what I think is appealing,” said Loebs. “Because whether you are a typical Win and Place bettor or someone like me, who prefers betting Daily Doubles, Pick-3s, Pick-4s, Pick-5s, this format allows you to play to your strengths. It doesn’t box you into mandatory bets.”

The contest doesn’t have a big buy-in. In fact, there is no entry fee at all. There is a $100 USD live money bankroll required for those who wish to participate, and players must register/check in at the Clubhouse Lobby by 6:20 p.m.

“I think the bankroll not being so large means you have to be tactical about how you play,” said Loebs. “For instance, when I won, I wanted to bet a lot of my money on a chalky Early Double and try to build a lead and I thought there were favourites later on the card I could come back to and make a big win bet if I needed to.

“I think the idea that The Meadowlands came up with of having these 'feeder' contests every month is fun because now I have something to look forward to and it also allows me to play and get another seat, or, if I lost earlier in the year, I know another opportunity is coming. Having [a chance at] that big [prize] pool at the end of the year is the goal.”

The contest offers something that the once-a-week or once-a-month visitor to the races may not realize. The $100 USD betting card is the patron’s own money that they keep at the end of the night. So, entering the contest is something that they should be doing no matter what.

“It almost makes no sense to not give the contest a try,” said Loebs. “Sometimes, in this contest, you have to turn $100 into $300, $400, $500, or $600, which people can do, and because you won the contest [that night], you are now looking at a $10,000 final. If you are going to the track with $100, there’s really no downside to giving the contest a try, all it takes is having a good night at the track and you could be in the final.”

Contestants must be on-site to participate and must bet a minimum of five Meadowlands races. There is no minimum or maximum bet per race. Contestants can play any wager(s) on The Meadowlands live wagering menu. The keep all pari-mutuel winnings and can enter as many times as they wish. To participate, players must be 18 years of age or older to wager on racing. 

The remaining contest schedule is as follows:

• Friday, May 16
• Friday, June 20
• Friday, July 18
• Saturday, Aug. 30
• Saturday, Oct. 25
• Friday, Nov. 21

Players that have already qualified for the December contest are Nick Montemurro and Gary Scogna (the top two finishers from January); Michael Grasso and Montemurro (February); and Loebs and Joe Barre (March).

Complete contest rules and regulations can be found at The Meadowlands' website at playmeadowlands.com.

(With files from Meadowlands Racetrack)