The 2024 Breeders Crown Charity Challenge kicks off this Friday, Aug. 2, with a live draw to determine the challenge teams. This year, a driver, trainer, owner and influencer will be grouped together to raise funds for the designated charities.
The Breeders Crown Charity Challenge was conceived to create positive relationships with the local community and raise awareness and fund local charities. To date, the charity challenge has already raised more than $1.5 million for charity.
This year’s participants are drivers Dexter Dunn, Yannick Gingras, David Miller and Tim Tetrick; trainers Tony Alagna, Marcus Melander, Ake Svanstedt and Nancy Takter; owners Burke Racing/Weaver Bruscemi, Courant, Brad Grant and Bill Pollack; and influencers Mary McDermott, Dawnelle Mock, Jenna Otten and Jessica Otten.
The live draw will determine the four-person teams in the winner’s circle following race Race 4. All participants are encouraged to come out and join in the live draw.
The charities will be paired with their team on Friday, Aug. 30 and include SBH Health System, Bronx, NY; enCourage Kids, NY; New Jersey YMCA State Alliance; and Friends of Union County.
The challenge runs from Aug. 30 to Oct. 19. Teams earn points throughout the challenge via six events/activities listed below, each worth 100 points (1st: 50 points; 2nd: 25; 3rd: 15; 4th: 10). At the end of the challenge, the team with the most points will receive 40 per cent of the total money donated to their team charity. The other three charities will receive 25 per cent, 17.5 per cent and 17.5 per cent, respectively.
Teams will earn points as follows:
- Through Oct. 19, via driver and trainer team performance on the Grand Circuit. Every time they are in a major stakes race, they earn points that are calculated.
- Aug. 30 to Oct. 19 Fan Voting - Fans, charity participants and everyone in between can vote each day of the challenge for their favourite team. Daily voting polls open on Aug. 30 at playmeadowlands.com.
- Aug. 30 Charity Team Draw Night at the Races - The challenge kicks off with the charities being paired with their teams. Charities are encouraged to attend in person for a fun night. Points are awarded based on the number of guests from each charity.
- Aug. 30 Charity Team Draw Night Double Seater Race - One charity member will compete with their team driver in an actual horse race and the race order of finish will determine point distribution.
- Aug. 31 Charity Team Open House (9 a.m to 12 noon) - Charities are encouraged to invite friends, family and organization employees and volunteers for a morning at the track. Brunch will be served along with fun activities for kids. Points are awarded based on the number of guests from each charity.
- Oct. 18 & 19 Influencer Handicapping Contest - Team influencers compete to amass the most money over two race cards.
The final challenge standings will be tallied after the final race on Saturday, Oct. 19.
This year’s Charity Challenge sponsors are: Meadowlands Racetrack & FanDuel, Marvin & Lynn Katz, Diamond Creek, Brad Grant, Burke Racing & Weaver Bruscemi, Bill Pollock, Anders Strom – Courant, Inc., Takter Stable, Melander Stable, Svanstedt Stable, Alagna Racing, Brittany Farms, Kentuckiana Farms, Hunterton Farm, Cameo Hills Farm, Armitage Farm, M&L of Delaware, Southwind Farms, Walnridge Farm, Dexter Dunn, Yannick Gingras, Dave Miller, Tim Tetrick, Julie Miller, Carter Pinske, Southwind Farms, Lucas Wallin, Todd McCarthy and Scott Zeron.
(With files from Meadowlands Racetrack)