A tribute video for Freehold Raceway

Instead of our weekly Harness Racing Alumni Show in its place we are releasing and presenting the Freehold Raceway Tribute YouTube video. Our show will return next week in its usual time slot.

The Freehold Raceway Tribute video started production after the announcement of the tracks closing. The video is a tribute to all of the men, woman and horses that were and are associated with the historic track. It is also intended to bring awareness of the tracks closing as we share the history of the track through newspaper clippings and track photos.

Freehold Raceway officials announced on September 19, 2024, that the Raceway, the nation’s oldest racetrack, will permanently close all live racing and simulcasting operations on December 28, 2024, marking the end of a nearly 170-year chapter in New Jersey’s horse racing history.

The closure follows years of financial struggles and a lack of investment from its ownership. “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,” general manager Howard Bruno said in a press release September 19th announcing the tracks closing.

“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 over the years.” said Bruno.

The raceway dates to December 1853 when the Monmouth County Agriculture Society was formed to hold an annual fair with harness racing in the Township of Freehold.

Reported as the oldest racetrack in the country, it was acquired in 1999 by Pennwood Racing (now Pennwood Entertainment), a joint venture between two Pennsylvania-based companies Greenwood Racing Inc. and Penn Gaming. The racetrack has since been marked by declining interest and little effort to adapt to changing times. Greenwood Racing is the operator of Parx Casino in Pennsylvania.

Freehold Raceway Tribute video is sponsored by Jon Paton Racing Stable, Inc., Hunterton Farm, Enviro Stables, Gordon Freeman, Bob and Monica Bencal, Eric Abbatiello Stables, Randy Ross and Larry Rolla.

Produced by the Harness Racing Alumni and Trade Martin Productions.

From the Harness Racing Alumni Show