One last run: Freehold Raceway to hold final races Saturday before closure
Freehold Raceway has featured harness racing for more than 150 years.
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A tradition in Monmouth County is ending its run after more than a century and a half.
As the track enters its final emotional homestretch, many fans turned out for the penultimate race card on Friday at Freehold Raceway.
“It’s very sad to see it close. It’s going to be emotional tomorrow,” said Joe Maya, of Manalapan.
“Now it’s all gone you know? It’s like losing a loved one,” said Mike Cirillo, of Old Bridge.
Since 1854, harness racing dug its hooves into the central Monmouth County farming community. But as land values increased and crowds dwindled, Freehold Raceway’s management announced in the fall that the end of racing would be Saturday, Dec. 28.
Mike Resciniti brought his 8-year-old daughter Maizy to see some of the final races.
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“So they at least have a memory of it and they can enjoy it like everybody else before them got to,” said Resciniti.
One last selfie was captured outside the grandstand with mother and daughter Lisa and Alyssa Sloane from Millstone.
“It’s historic, so I wonder what they’ll fill this space with up next,” said Alyssa.
Back in the stables, emotions were also running high as all the trainers and owners now have to figure out what’s next.
“Everybody I think here is going to cry tomorrow for sure. I know I definitely am,” said Alexandra Urbanski, a third-generation horse trainer, owner and harness driver.
Urbanski and her family field several horses. For them, racing isn’t a pastime - it’s their lives.
“Me and my brother, we dropped everything pretty much to do this with our lives, and it’s definitely sad to think about the possibility of moving, leaving our friends and family behind,” said Urbanski.
“I wish by a miracle someone can save the track and buy it, but unfortunately I don’t see it,” added Maya.
Saturday’s final card will carry 11 races. Post time is at 12:30 p.m.
Freehold Borough Mayor Kevin Kane remains hopeful racing will someday return to the raceway.
"Freehold Raceway is an important piece of our rich history, as our town and community has grown up around it, even though tomorrow is the last day under current ownership it is my hope, and belief, that you will continue to see horse racing here for the foreseeable future,” the mayor told News 12 in a statement.
