On Saturday, May 3, head to the Meadowlands Racetrack for food, music, and fun all day and night with live racing action and simulcast of the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby from Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
The Kentucky Derby is held on the first Saturday in May and is the first leg of the Triple Crown. Known as “the most exciting two minutes in sports” and the “run for the roses,” the Kentucky Derby has a $5 million purse, with $3.1 million going to the 1st place winner.
The Meadowlands Racetrack Grandstand opens at 9 a.m., with activities all day; parking and admission are free. The first simulcast Churchill Downs post is at 11 a.m. with the Kentucky Derby happening at 6:57 p.m. Live harness racing starts at 6:20 p.m., with a race card featuring the Dexter Cup (G3) and the filly division Lady Suffolk for three-year-old trotters. There will be two live harness races before the Derby takes place.
“We always have a lot of fans show up on Derby Day,” said Meadowlands Racetrack Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir. “And this year, we have an added bonus for our harness racing fans as the Dexter Cup [for 3-year-old trotters] arrives at The Meadowlands after a long stint at Freehold Raceway.
“In addition, we received input from our fan base on eliminating the post-time drag, and we have responded by reducing it over the last several weeks,” Settlemoir said, adding that Friday, May 2 it was “eliminated entirely.”
More Ways to Win on Derby Day
Hat Contest. Ladies can express their fashion sense and style by entering the $1,000 Derby Hat Contest without boundaries on how over-the-top the headwear can go. The most creative hat wins the $500 grand prize. Sign up from 2 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. with the judging at 5 p.m. in the Winner’s Circle.
Derby Wager Contest. All guests over 18 can enter the $50 Derby Win Wager contest. Ten contestants will be selected to place a $50 win wager on any horse they choose in the Kentucky Derby. Online entry is available here.
Live Harness Racing Wager Contest. Prizes continue into the night with ten $50 win wagers on live harness racing. The 10 contestants will be selected throughout the night. Online entry is available here.
Horseplay Car Giveaway. Pick up a free numbered horse and try to toss it into the window of a moving car. A winner, randomly chosen from all the horses that enter the vehicle, will receive a $100 betting voucher. The 27 winners will be entered into the Horseplay Final Drawing on Friday, Aug. 1, and have a chance to win the 2025 GR86 through a reverse drawing.
Placing Bets
Bets can be placed at FanDuel Sportsbook located inside the grandstand. The space has massive TV screens and self-service betting terminals. Whatever the sport, for the latest odds, go here. The FanDuel Sportsbook is open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 a.m.; and Sunday 8 a.m. to midnight.
For added convenience, those who just want to make wagers on the Derby can utilize the walk-up teller in Lot M. The teller will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, May 2, and Saturday, May 3.
Note: Due to state law, bets may not be placed using a credit card.
About 20,000 thoroughbred foals are born in North America each year
Derby Day Dining at the Meadowlands Racetrack
Outdoor table dining at the Café and limited indoor seating/dining in the Lounge are available. Tables can be reserved here.
Victory Rooftop Terrace will open at noon and feature a DJ. For $15, guests can grab a specialty margarita cocktail in an official commemorative 2025 Kentucky Derby glass.
Both outdoor Café picnic tables and indoor Lounge tables are available for afternoon dining. Tables can be purchased here.
· Café:
o ◾$100 per 4-person table
o ◾Waiter service
- ◾Guarantees track seating
- ◾Ticket purchase price is a food credit for use at the Cafe on Derby Simulcast Day for racetrack staples like chicken wings, French fries, cheesesteaks, burgers, pretzels, popcorn, ice cream, and more. The credit is valid only on Saturday, May 3, 2025.
· Lounge:
- $75 Bar Seat / $150 Two-Person Table / $300 Four-Person Table /$300 Three-Person Couch
- Waiter Service
- Guarantees track seating
- The ticket purchase price is a beverage and food credit for use at the Victory Bar & Kitchen on Derby Simulcast Day for delicious fare, including burgers, nachos, salads, sandwiches, and more. The credit is valid only on Saturday, May 3, 2025.
Pink Restaurant will open early at 4 p.m., and the buffet will begin at 4:30 p.m. The $64.95 buffet (excludes tax and gratuity) features maple bacon deviled eggs, pimento cheese and crackers, Kentucky-rubbed strip loin, hot honey fried chicken, baked macaroni and cheese, pecan pie, and blondies. Reservations can be made by calling 201-The-BigM (201-843-2446) or visiting https://playmeadowlands.com/dine/.
For a complete list of nightly events, promotions, and an updated racing calendar, see PlayMeadowlands.com.
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 seating and private skybox suites. Book a Party today by emailing alokshin@playmeadowlands.com.
About the Kentucky Derby
Inaugurated in 1875, the $5 million Kentucky Derby is the legendary 1 ¼-mile race for 3-year-olds and is the longest continually held major sporting event in the United States. The first leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown series, the Kentucky Derby is the most attended horse race in the nation. For more information, please visit www.KentuckyDerby.com.