2023 Hambletonian Day at the Meadowlands Racetrack

Tuesday, August 1, 2023

Saturday, August 5^th the Meadowlands Racetrack showcases the 98^th Hambletonian, also known as “harness racing’s greatest day.” Home to the Hambletonian and Hambletonian Oaks since 1981, the Meadowlands hosts a day of fun for the entire family including epic races, carnival rides & games, pony rides & hat contest, food trucks, live music and giveaways.

The Grandstand doors open at 10 am with $5 admission. The giveaways begin immediately, including 2022 Hambletonian baseball cap for adults and children with paid admission.  $5 admission can be purchased in advance at https://meadowlandsracetrack.ticketleap.com/2023-hambletonian-day/

The first race post time is 12 noon.  The 98^th Hambletonian, America’s Trotting Classic, is the richest trotting race in the world for 3 year olds with a purse of $1 million.  The companion filly event, the Hambletonian Oaks, is worth $500,000. There will be a total of 16 races on Hambo Day totaling over $3.5 million in stakes purses.

The Backyard will be filled with free carnival rides, games and pony rides plus a free live concert by the popular Craig Sailer Project beginning at 11 am. Racing fans can grab a Hambo flag, snag driver selfies, giveaways, and trainer autographs at the Harness Racing Fan Zone Tent.

Fans can grab some food from some delicious food trucks including Clyde’s Homemade Italian Ices and Ice Cream, House of Cupcakes, Latin Bites, Cat Like Reflexes, Carnival Concessions, Who Cut the Cheese Lady Food Truck, The Original Delicious Lola Josefa’s, Rods Fish N Chips, Green Dog Mobile, Hadez Food Truck, Bearded One BBQ, Big John’s Gourmet Burgers and DAW Concessions. Plus grab a cold and refreshing Trotter’s Gold golden ale brewed by Ghost Hawk Brewing Co commemorating 2022 Hambo winner Cool Papa Bell.

As an added bonus, fans can meet actor Kelsey Grammer at the Backyard Bar from 1:30-3pm.  He will be promoting Faith American Brewing Company, the brewery founded in 2015. Grammer’s Faith American Ale and Blue the hazy NE IPA will be available for purchase. Gammer is also the celebrity trophy presenter for both the Hambleotnian Oaks and Hambletonian.

Bring your most creative hat for the chance to win the Hambletonian Hat Contest. Sign up at the track level promotions table and make your way to the track before Race 4. First place wins $500, second place $250, third place $100, fourth place $50 and the most elegant hat wins $100.

The Hambletonian Oaks is scheduled for Race 10 at 3:38 pm and the Hambletonian Final is scheduled for Race 12, with a post time at 4:45 pm.

For all things Hambletonian, visit https://playmeadowlands.com/hambletonian-news/