Championship meet underway at Big M Friday

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – The Meadowlands Racetrack kicks off the Championship Meet this Friday, May 3rd, with live racing every Friday and Saturday night with a 6:20m post time. The Championship Meet features over $8 million in stakes races as well as event-filled weekends.

Each live race night fans can enter Horseplay. Pick up a free horse at the promotions table and throw the horse into the car for a chance to win $100 and an entry into the Friday, August 2^nd drawing for a brand new 2024 Toyota Camry.

On Saturday, May 4^th, come out to the track for an exciting day and night of simulcast & live racing action, including the 150^th running of the Kentucky Derby from Churchill Downs. Fans are encouraged to come wearing their best fascinator or hat for a chance to win cash in our $1,000 Derby Hat. Afternoon dining for both the Lounge and the outdoor Café can be purchased here.

Also, on Saturday May 4^th the Meadowlands hosts the annual Beer Fest.  Doors open for VIP ($65) at 4:00 pm with General Admission ($45 in advance or $50 at the door) at 5:00 pm; beer will be poured until 9:00pm. Fest-goers will tasted brews from 60 breweries and cideries including local NJ favorites. Tickets can be purchased here.

The second annual Stake and Steaks night takes place on Saturday, May 11^th. Teams can register to compete in two steak cook-off categories plus bonus hotdog and cocktail categories. Those interested in competing can register here. This fun night also includes great local food trucks including the Mozzarella God, Freakin Empanadas, Eat My Balls, Antojitos de Mi Tierra, Uncle Bob’s Kettle Corn, Bitch’n Bacon, Cat Like Reflexes and Clydes Homemade Italian Ice and Ice Cream. Plus, fans can enter to win a 3-night stay at Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas and Rolling Stones tickets. Full event details here.

On Saturday, May 18^th the track hosts a free handicapping contest with a $10,000 total prize pool, with prize payouts to the top ten finishers.  Fans may register up until 6:30 p.m. on the night of the contest in the Clubhouse Lobby. There is no entry fee. Details can be found here.

The fifth annual Charity Handicapping Contest returns on Saturday, May 25. The Charity Contest is a free handicapping challenge open to 501C3 organizations.   The Contest offers a $15,000 total donation/prize pool, with all ten charities receiving a donation. Interested not-for-profit organizations must apply to participate by emailing Rachel Ryan at raryan@playmeadowlands.com by Thursday, May 16^th.

The Annual Sportscasters Charity Derby — two harness races to benefit each participating Sportscasters’ selected charitable organizations — takes place on Friday, May 31. There will be two charity races — with four Sportscasters participating in each race. Meadowlands Racetrack will donate $5,000 to each of the two winning Sportscasters’ selected charities and will also make a $1,000 donation to the six other sportscaster selected charities.

Participating Sportscasters:

CHARITY RACE 1 (After Harness Race 3)

1. Chris Lopresti (WFAN660, CBS Sports Radio, SiriusXM) – Racing for St. Barnabus Hospital Health System
2. Don LaGreca (ESPN-NY 98.7 FM) – Racing for Ronald McDonald House
3. Chelsea Sherrod (SNY) – Racing for Grow Our Game
4. Mark Cannizzaro (NY Post) – Racing for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

CHARITY RACE 2 (After Harness Race 5)

1.  Maria Marino (Action Network) – Racing for American Cancer Society/Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
2. Marc Malusis (PIX11, SNY, WFAN) – Racing for Make-A-Wish Foundation
3. Perry Sook (PIX11) – Racing for St. Barnabus Hospital Health System
4. Keith Irizarry (MLB Network) – Racing for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

For a complete list of nightly events, promotions and updated racing calendar please visit here.  Dining reservations for the Pink buffet can be made by calling 201-The-BigM (201-843-2446) or by visiting here.

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.

From The Meadowlands