NJ Freehold Raceway to shut down after 170 years in business

FREEHOLD, N.J. (PIX11) — It's the sport of kings, and for around 170 years, this raceway was king.

But in shocking announcement, Freehold Raceway said Thursday it will run its last race and cease operations in late December.

"It's really really tough. Really tough to swallow," said horse owner Barbara Bongiorno.

Centuries have come and gone, and horse racing has stood the test of time. Horses have been racing in Freehold since before the Civil War.

"My family has been involved in this business since my great-grandfather," said Bongirono, with tears in her eyes. "You know, just kind of shell-shocked because, this is really, just kind of came out of nowhere."

John Smith grew up a mile away from the racetrack.

"My mother started working here when I was nine months old," said Smith. "I was a child running through peoples' legs watching races. I've owned horses. It's a passion of mine, and it hurts."

"I'm not coming to win money or lose money," said Andy Gellman, a horse race fan from Manalapan. "It's a very enjoyable day out where I can just forget about everything for a couple of hours and really enjoy myself."

Track officials declined to speak to us. They said in a statement it was an extremely difficult decision, but operations can't continue under existing conditions. They told employees losing their jobs will be paid severance.

The harness racing teams who run on the half-mile dirt track are small. Some trainers have only one horse. Those in the business say the track's closing will hurt them.

"I had the opportunity to speak to the horsemen in the paddock, and I told them not to give up hope," said Nancy Grbelja, Chairwoman of the New Jersey Sire Stakes, who says with 2 off-track betting licenses, the track could become a lucrative investment for someone.

"You could attract a great crowd to Freehold Raceway," said Grbelja.

"Something fleeting, you know?" said Ray Antinori of Jamesburg. "You won't find places like this anymore."