Two Meadowlands fan-favorite events are returning to the Meadowlands Racetrack this summer. On June 6, the Racetrack will once again host its Annual Wiener Dog Derby. The high-stakes competition will feature sixty dachshunds racing to be crowned the winner.
Races will take place in between the horse races scheduled that evening with the final race taking place after Race 8 at approximately 9:45 p.m. The winner of eight previous qualifying rounds during the evening will have the opportunity to compete for the ultimate prize. The first qualifying round will take place at 6:45 p.m., with the winner of each of the qualifying rounds receiving a special chew toy and a $100 voucher presented to their owner.
The dachshund that comes out on top in the final race will receive a chewy toy prize pack in addition to a $500 grand cash prize awarded to their owner.
Fans, family and friends of all ages are encouraged to spend the night at the Racetrack to cheer on their favorite dog. Admission and parking will be free, allowing for a fun-filled family night.
A fan-favorite promotion is also going on at the Meadowlands Racetrack with the return of Horseplay. Participants get the chance to throw a numbered horse into the window of a moving car. A random winner is selected from all the horses that make it into the car. The winner receives a $100 betting voucher in addition to an entry into a drawing from a new 2023 Toyota Camry on Aug. 4.
For every horse that makes it into the car, the Meadowlands Racetrack donates $5 to a monthly charity and $5 to Purple Haze Standardbred Adoption Program. May’s monthly charity was Helping Horseshoe Therapy. The organization that helps provide equine-assisted activities for those with special needs will receive $1,250 from the contest. To see the rules for Horseplay, click here.
The Annual Weiner Dog Derby and Horseplay are just some of the many events going on at the Meadowlands Racetrack this summer. Many food events are going on at the Racetrack throughout the summer, such as the Sloppy Track Stack challenge. Participants are tasked with devouring pounds of fan-favorite BBQ food to receive exclusive perks. On July 5, the Racetrack will be looking to crown the best burger through its Burger Battle and look to name the best seafood during its Seafood Festival on July 29. In addition to these food-filled events, June 24 will be the Meadowlands Racetrack’s Wine Festival with the weekend of June 30 being Fan Appreciation Weekend.
All of the Meadowlands’ summer fun closes out with Hambletonian Day on August 5. With over $3.5 million at stake, spectators can enjoy carnival rides and games, food trucks, pony rides, live music and more. Admission is $5 and includes a commemorative Hambo baseball cap.
For more information on the Annual Weiner Dog Derby and all the Meadowlands Racetrack’s summer events, click here.
