The historic location in Monmouth County, New Jersey will close forever on Saturday

🏇 Freehold Raceway will host its final race on Saturday

🏇 The race track was opened almost 200 years ago

🏇 What’s next for the property?

FREEHOLD BOROUGH – It’s the home stretch of the oldest horse racing track in New Jersey.

Freehold Raceway on Park Avenue will host its final events on Saturday. According to its website, 11 races are scheduled throughout the day, with the first race starting at 12:30 p.m

And then, after almost 200 years, the historic route will finally close. Horse racing has taken place on the site since the 1830s.

Afterwards, winning tickets and vouchers can be redeemed in person at Monmouth Park Racetrack, Meadowlands Racetrack, Favorites at Woodbridge, Favorites at Hillsborough or Winners Bayonne.

End of an era

Track General Manager Howard Bruno announced the closure of Freehold Raceway in mid-September. He said operators could see no way forward.

“This was an extremely difficult decision, especially given the historic importance of Freehold Raceway to the local community and New Jersey’s horse racing industry,” Bruno said.

In October, county Mayor Kevin Kane said they would try to work with the owners, FR Park Racing, to keep the track open.

But they couldn’t overcome the odds. Kane, a Democrat, said county officials tried to meet with the racetrack’s owners but were “rebuffed,” the Freehold Patch reported.

The track laid off 93 workers on Dec. 12, according to state records.

What’s next for Freehold Raceway?

The racetrack’s owners have not announced any plans for the site.

Kane told the Patch that the district will conduct a remediation study on the property to figure out what to do next with the racetrack.

Local officials are confident a buyer will emerge with a vision for the property.

Read on to take a look at another Monmouth County landmark that met an unfortunate end.

Report a correction 👈 | 👉 Contact our newsroom