Come to Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment on Saturday, May 4 and enter to win a 2024 Toyota Camry (drawing on Hambletonian Day, Aug. 2) or a total of $1,000 in cash prizes for the best Kentucky Derby hats.
There are lots of ways to win at the racetrack in May, starting with the Championship Meet kickoff on Friday, May 3. The Championship Meet features over $8 million in stakes races as well as event-filled weekends throughout the summer.
Live racing takes place every Friday and Saturday night with a 6:20 p.m. post time.
Chance to Enter Toyota Camry Drawing
Each live race night, people can enter Horseplay, sponsored by Wanda Polisseni’s Purple Haze Stable, for a chance to win $100 betting voucher and a chance to be entered into the drawing for a 2024 Toyota Camry.
Racetrack guests can pick up a free horse at the promotions table to toss at the Horseplay Promo Car at the Players Club desk or the Horseplay table in front of the Winner’s Circle.
Participants attempt to throw their numbered horse into the window of a moving car.
A winner, randomly chosen from all the horses that make it into the car, will receive a $100 betting voucher.
The 27 winners will be entered into the Horseplay Final Drawing on Friday, Aug. 2 after Race 6 for a chance to win a 2024 Camry through a reverse drawing.
After the horse toss, children are allowed on the track to collect all the horses that didn’t make it into the car. Children can then receive a free ice cream from The Café.
The nightly winners must be present to be eligible for the Final drawing. Ten names will be selected during the Final Drawing – 1st –5th name receives $100 betting voucher; 6th name receives $200 betting voucher, 7th name receives $250 betting voucher, 8th name receives $300 voucher, 9th name receives $500. The Final name drawn (10th name) wins the Toyota. Remaining 17 names will receive a $50 betting voucher.
For every horse that makes it into the Horseplay car during the season, Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment donates $5 to the designated monthly charity and $5 to Purple Haze Standardbred Adoption Program. More information here.
Kentucky Derby Day May 4
The 150th running of the Kentucky Derby from Churchill Downs will be simulcast at the Meadowlands Racetrack. Fans are encouraged to come wearing their best fascinator or hat for a chance to win a total of $1,000 in cash prizes in the racetrack’s Derby Hat contest.
Racetrack doors open at 9 a.m. with first Churchill Downs post at 10:30 a.m. Live harness racing kicks off at 6:20 p.m. and the Kentucky Derby post time is TBD
Derby Day Hat Contest
- Register from 2-5 p.m. on May 4 in the Clubhouse Lobby.
- Judging will take place in the Winner’s Circle around 5 p.m.
- 1st: $500; 2nd Place: $250; 3rd Place: $100; 4th Place: $50; Fanciest: $100
Meadowlands Racetrack BeerFest on Derby Day
Dozens of local breweries are joining more than 60 producers at the Meadowlands Racetrack’s annual Beerfest on Saturday, May 4 from 5-9 p.m. VIP doors open at 4 p.m.
Festival Highlights (subject to change):
- Beers from around the US
- DJ ALX
- Live horse racing beginning 6:20 p.m.
- The Kentucky Derby Simulcast
- Commemorative 2024 “May the 4th Beer With You” TShirt for sale (limited supply)
VIP tickets are $65; General Admission is $45 in advance or $50 at the door. Beer will be poured until 9 p.m. Fest-goers will get to taste brews from 60 breweries and cideries including local NJ favorites.
Click here for the latest list of breweries participating.
Tickets: $65 VIP Ticket includes admission, special food access, tasting glass, exclusive VIP tastings and 1 additional hour of sampling (limited to 200).
General admission in advance, $45, includes admission, tasting glass and 4 hour sampling.
General admission day of, $50, includes admission, tasting glass and 4 hour sampling.
All ticket holders have access to samplings, pairings, educational seminars and more.
Reserve Now for Derby Day Dining
Guaranteed Derby Day dining includes the Cafe & 2nd floor Lounge. Tables can be pre-purchased here.
Café reservations must be pre-paid, Cost is $100 per 4-person table. Waitered service includes guaranteed track admittance and seating.
Ticket purchase price is also a food credit that can be used at the Cafe on Derby Simulcast Day towards racetrack staples like chicken wings, french fries, cheesesteaks, burgers, pretzels, popcorn, ice cream and more. The credit is valid on Saturday, May 4, 2024 only.
- Lounge reservations must be pre-paid
- $50 Bar Seat
- $100 2-Person Table
- $200 4-Person Table
- $150 3-Person Couch
- $500 4-Person Couch
- Waitered Service
- Guarantees track admittance and seating
Ticket purchase price is also a beverage and food credit to be used at the Victory Bar & Kitchen on Derby Simulcast Day towards other fare including burgers, nachos, salads, sandwiches and more. The credit is valid on Saturday, May 4, 2024 only.
The Derby Day Pink Buffet Menu costs $64.95 per person (plus tax and tip). Reservations: 201-The-BigM (201-843-2446) or online. Doors open 4 p.m. with buffet beginning at 4:30 p.m.
To Book a Private Party
Looking to book a corporate event or private party? Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment has unlimited event possibilities – from a rooftop terrace with skyline views, to Trackside to private Skybox Suites. Book a Party today by emailing alokshin@playmeadowlands.com.