Plenty of Action on Kentucky Derby Day at the Meadowlands Racetrack

Tuesday, April 28, 2026

On Saturday, May 2^nd, join the Meadowlands Racetrack for an exciting day and night of simulcast & live racing action, including the 152^nd running of the Kentucky Derby from Churchill Downs.

Grandstand doors open at 9:00 a.m., and parking and admission are free. Outdoor table dining at the Café and limited indoor seating/dining in the Lounge are available. Tables can be reserved here.

The Backyard Bar & Grill and the Victory Rooftop Terrace will also open at noon. The Terrace also features a DJ. For $15, guests can grab a specialty sangria served in an official commemorative 2026 Kentucky Derby glass.

Ladies can express their fashion sense and style by entering the $1,000 Derby Hat Contest, with no limits on how over-the-top the headwear can get.  The most creative hat wins the $500 grand prize. Sign up between 2:00 pm and 4:45 pm, with the judging at 5:00 pm in the Winner’s Circle.

All guests aged 18 or older can enter the $50 Derby Win Wager contest.  Ten lucky contestants will be selected to place a $50 win wager on any horse they choose in the Kentucky Derby.  Online entry is available here.

For added convenience, those just wanting to make wagers on the Derby can utilize the walk-up teller located in Lot M. The teller will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, May 1, and Saturday, May 2.

After the Derby, guests are welcome to enjoy a night of live harness racing at the Meadowlands, with the first post time set for 6:35 p.m. The race card features the Dexter Cup (G3) and the filly division Lady Suffolk for three-year-old trotters.

Pink, the tiered dining room with perfect views of the live racing action, will feature Southern-inspired options on the $69.95 buffet. Pink will open early at 4:00 p.m., and reservations are strongly recommended. To reserve a table, call 201-THE-BIG-M (201-843-2446).

Prizes continue into the night with ten $50 win wagers on live harness racing. The ten contestants will be selected throughout the night. Online entry is available here.

Fans can also participate in the Horseplay Car Giveaway by picking up a FREE horse to toss. Participants attempt to throw their numbered horse 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 thirty winners will be entered into the Horseplay Final Drawing on Friday, August 7^th, and have a chance to win the 2026 Toyota Camry LE Hybrid through a reverse drawing.

Reminder, you must be 18+ to enter wagers on racing and promotions.  Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.