End of an Era: Freehold Raceway to Close on December 28
Date: 2024-09-20 Author: Alex Crawford Categories: SPORTS BETTING
Freehold Raceway, the oldest racetrack in the United States, will close its doors on December 28, 2024, marking a major milestone in American horse racing history. The track’s management has confirmed that the track is no longer in a position to continue operating.
End of an Era for a Legendary Racetrack
Freehold Raceway, located in Freehold, New Jersey, began operating in 1830. It hosted its first races nearly two centuries ago, and was officially recognized in 1854 by the Monmouth Agricultural Society, which began hosting annual cinder racing events.
The track is currently jointly owned by Penn Entertainment and Greenwood Racing, which acquired it in 1998. Over its long history, Freehold has been an important part of American horse racing culture, capturing the attention of fans of the sport for decades. However, the facility has recently become uneconomical to operate, making it unsustainable.
A Big Loss to the Community
The track has confirmed that all racing and broadcasting will end by the end of December 2024. All employees and stakeholders have been notified of the upcoming closure.
Freehold Raceway CEO Howard Bruno said it was a difficult decision, especially given the track’s importance to the community and the New Jersey racing industry. He said the current state of affairs does not allow the track to continue operating.
"Unfortunately, the operating conditions make it impossible to continue our business. We are extremely grateful to our dedicated employees, riders, and fans for their support over the years," Bruno added.
Employees to be compensated
Despite the impending closure, the track will continue to operate as normal through the end of December. The 2024 racing schedule will be completed and racing will continue to be televised daily through that date.
Freehold Raceway management is working closely with the New Jersey Racing Commission, as well as local officials and industry representatives, to ensure a smooth closure of the facility. All employees will be compensated under the New Jersey Workers' Notice of Redundancy (WARN) Act.
