The spectacle of camels and ostriches racing down the stretch produced the year’s highest live attendance at the Meadowlands Racetrack on Friday, June 15.

A crowd of 5,068 turned out to watch the exotic animals compete in non-wagering events held between the live harness races. The festivities also included belly dancing, hookahs and a charity race for local sportscasters. Meadowlands General Manager Michael Newlin and Tiffany Takter, the daughter of soon-to-be Hall of Fame trainer Jimmy Takter, finished noses apart in the camel race.

(Meadowlands; photo courtesy Lisa Photo)