The past and present will meet when the Meadowlands Racetrack celebrates its 40th anniversary during the opening weekend of its fall harness meet on Saturday (October 22).

Fans will receive the official #40andForward long-sleeve t-shirt (free while supplies last) to commemorate the 40th anniversary beginning at 6:30 p.m. First-race post time is 7:15 p.m.

In addition, a special autograph session will take place from 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. featuring stars of the Meadowlands both past and present. Meadowlands Hall of Fame broadcaster Bob ‘Hollywood’ Heyden will interview historic Meadowlands figures throughout the evening on the television broadcast.

Gallo Blue Chip, who earned more than $4.2 million during his Hall of Fame racing career and won the 2000 Meadowlands Pace, will lead the post parades during the evening. To further celebrate, a different legendary Meadowlands figure will drive the horse each race including Ted Wing, Bill O’Donnell, Greg Wright, and Cat Manzi.

The race card will be top-notch as well, with eliminations for the $6.2-million Breeders Crown. Following the final race of the evening, a spectacular fireworks show will light up the sky over East Rutherford.

(Meadowlands Racetrack)