Freehold Raceway, the oldest racetrack in the country, is shutting down. The historic racetrack, where harness racing began in 1853, is set to cease operations at the end of the year.
The Monmouth County landmark made the news official on Sept. 19 when employees and stakeholders were notified of the closure. Employees will receive severance, including compensation as required by the state’s Worker Adjustment and Retaining Act.
“Unfortunately, the operations of the racetrack cannot continue under existing conditions, and we do not see a plausible way forward,” Howard Bruno, general manager of the facility, said in a statement.
State and local officials are working with the New Jersey Racing Commission and industry stakeholders to tie up loose ends before the track’s closure. Freehold officials said they’re hopeful a buyer will emerge to continue running the track. Freehold is the third horse racetrack in New Jersey to close since 2001.
