FREEHOLD, N.J. (AP) — Freehold Raceway, the oldest horse racing track in the United States, is shutting down at the end of the year.
Track officials made the announcement on Thursday after a meeting with employees.
Copyright AP Photo/Wayne Parry
Horse racing has been conducted at the half-mile track in central New Jersey since the 1830s. Harness racing become the staple when The Monmouth County Agricultural Society was formed late 1853, and it held harness racing the following year at an annual fair at Freehold Raceway.
“This was an extremely difficult decision, especially given the historical importance of Freehold Raceway to the local community and the New Jersey horse racing industry,” track general manager Howard Bruno said in a statement. “Unfortunately, the operations of the racetrack cannot continue under existing conditions, and we do not see a plausible way forward. We are incredibly thankful for our dedicated employees, horsemen and fan base for their support and patronage for so many years.”
Bruno said the track will continue racing the rest of the year and cease live racing and simulcast operations on Dec. 28.