A lively casino-themed fundraiser took place on Hambletonian eve at the Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment facility in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The harness racing community showed strong support for two key charities: the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame and the Standardbred Retirement Foundation (SRF).
The Aug. 2 event, sponsored by Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment, featured 70 attendees playing blackjack, roulette, and craps, while 22 competed in a poker tournament. Reynaldo Suarez emerged as the poker champion and will enjoy an all-expenses-paid trip to Las Vegas, courtesy of Roberts Communications and The Meadowlands.
The evening's auction offered a range of items, including New York Yankees tickets, Walsh harness products, horse-themed furniture, and a basket of maple delights. These items were generously donated by Northwood Bloodstock, Bluestone Farms, Callie Davies-Gooch, and Ellen Harvey. Raffle prizes included a Ring camera, speciality baskets for the Hambletonian and Breeders Crown, electronics, jewellery, and an autographed Yankees baseball, donated by Brian Cashman, Suzanne D’Ambrose, Callie Davies-Gooch, Ellen Harvey, and the United States Trotting Association. Kathleen Estes created the event graphics.
The funds raised will be split between the two charities. The Harness Racing Museum is planning new exhibits, including one for the 100th Anniversary of the Hambletonian, and art conservation projects. The SRF is caring for over 400 horses. This fundraising effort represents a significant step towards achieving the goals of both organisations.
Charitable events have been a staple of Hambletonian festivities since 1991, raising nearly $1.5 million over the years.