2026 Hambletonian Day at the Meadowlands Racetrack

Thursday, August 6, 2026

On Saturday, August 8, the Meadowlands Racetrack showcases the Winning Key Farm Hambletonian.

Home to “harness racing’s greatest day” since 1981, the Meadowlands hosts a day of fun for the entire family, including epic races, activities and games, meet-n-greets, a hat contest, food trucks, music, and giveaways.

The Grandstand doors open at 10:00 a.m. with a $5 admission fee. The giveaways begin immediately, including a Hambletonian 101 baseball cap for adults and children with paid admission.  $5 admission can be purchased in advance at https://playmeadowlands.com/hambletonian-news/

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

The famous Hawthorne Caballeros kick off the historic day with an on-the-track march and the playing of the Canadian and US National Anthems.

The Backyard will be filled with inflatables, a mechanical bull, carnival games, music by DJ ALX, and face painters. Racing fans can grab a Hambo flag, snag driver selfies, giveaways, and trainer autographs at the HarnessRacing.com tent from 10 am – 12 noon.

Guests can grab some food from some delicious food trucks including Clyde’s Homemade Italian Ices and Ice Cream, Tiny Hot Cakes, Rhythm & Ribz Smokehouse, Cat Like Reflexes, Carnival Concessions, Latin Bites, Eat My Balls, Bitch’n Bacon, The Mozzarella God, Bada Bing Bites, Burgers and More, Smash and Dash Burger, Lots of Meat BBQ, Cousins Maine Lobster, Wild Bill’s Soda, Uncle Eddie’s Touch of Sauce Uncle Bob’s Kettle Corn, & DAW Concessions.

Ghost Hawk Brewing’s Trotter’s Gold has returned for 2026 as the official Hambletonian 101 beer. This refreshing golden ale is the perfect thirst quencher for racing fans. The can’s label also features the 2025 Hambo champ Nordic Catcher S.

Bring your most creative hat for the chance to win the Hambletonian Hat Contest. First place wins $500, second place $250, third place $100, fourth place $50, and the most elegant hat wins $100. TV personality Carson Kressley will once again be judging this year’s contest.

Kressley will present the trophies for both the Oaks and the Hambletonian Finals.

Fashion influencer Caitlyn Warakomski will be onsite to judge the best festive summer fits. There is over $2,500 in cash prizes – so fans are encouraged to dress their best to impress!

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