Hawthorne Caballeros Alumni Set for the 101st Hambletonian Day on August 8th
The summer heat isn't the only thing sizzling in New Jersey this season. Fresh off our exhibition at Mount Olive, the Hawthorne Caballeros Alumni are headed straight to one of the biggest stages in American sports: Hambletonian Day!
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When: Saturday, August 8, 2026
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Where: Meadowlands Racetrack (1 Racetrack Drive, East Rutherford, NJ)
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Gates Open: 10:00 AM | First Race: 12:00 PM
A Bold New Stage for the Caballeros Alumni
What a spectacular opportunity it is for the Hawthorne Caballeros Alumni to step onto the legendary grounds of the Meadowlands Racetrack for Hambletonian Day! This performance represents an exciting first for our organization—bringing our signature Latin-jazz fire to a completely new annual event and a brand-new audience.
While we love performing for our die-hard drum corps fans, taking the grandstand stage at one of the biggest events in American horse racing allows us to showcase the power, precision, and rich tradition of the Caballeros Alumni to tens of thousands of sports fans and festival-goers who may be experiencing our thunderous sound for the very first time. We are thrilled to expand our calendar with this massive New Jersey tradition and cannot wait to show the racing world how we bring down the house!
Over a Century of Racing Greatness: The History of the Hambletonian
Often called "Harness Racing’s Greatest Day," the Hambletonian is the ultimate prize in trotting. First raced in 1926, the event is named after Hambletonian 10, the foundational sire of the entire Standardbred horse breed.
Celebrating its historic 101st running this year, the Hambletonian serves as the second leg of the Triple Crown of Harness Racing. It draws tens of thousands of fans from all over the world to watch millions of dollars in stakes racing unfold under the iconic East Rutherford skyline.
To have the unmistakable Latin-jazz fire and classic brass power of the Hawthorne Caballeros Alumni provide the live soundtrack to this historic New Jersey tradition is an absolute honor.
Beyond the world-class harness racing, Hambletonian Day is a massive summer festival. A $5 general admission ticket includes entry to all trackside entertainment and a free commemorative hat (while supplies last):
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Live Music: A high-octane performance by the Hawthorne Caballeros Alumni right in front of the grandstands.
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Contests: Over $1,000 in prizes up for grabs in the Best Dressed and Famous Hat contests.
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Food Truck Festival: Dozens of local vendors serving up BBQ, empanadas, ice cream, and more in the backyard.
Tickets: Available for just $5 online via TicketLeap or at the gate on race day.
Come for the legendary races, stay for the thunderous sound of the Cabs! We can't wait to see you at the track!