New Jersey’s Oldest Horse Racetrack Is Closing For Good
The oldest horse racetrack in New Jersey, and the United States is closing at the end of the year.
Freehold Raceway is, and has been a major part of the community for a very long time, and also has major historical importance on a national level.
Freehold Raceway Is Closing Down
Freehold Raceway is the oldest horse racetrack in the entire nation, according to ESPN, and the decision to shut its door could not have been an easy one.
The article reports that the official announcement of the closing was made only after management had announced the news to workers at the track.
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The Monmouth County Agriculture Society was formed in 1853 to coordinate an annual fair in Freehold that would include harness racing.
Freehold Raceway's Rich History
The Society rented land the next year for the event. That land is the same land Freehold Raceway sits on now. The rental fee that year? It was $50 according to the Freehold Raceway website.
According to the article, Freehold Raceway will stop live racing and simulcasting permanently on December 28 of this year.
Over the years, Freehold Raceway has been a source of great memories for horse racing enthusiasts but has also made its mark on those not involved in horse racing by hosting many community events.
I once had the unique honor of participating in a harness race on that legendary track, and those memories will last a lifetime for me.
The racetrack's closing is a difficult loss for the owners, racing fans, track employees, and the entire community.
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