New Jersey wasn’t one of the first states where horse racing started exploding, but it quickly caught on and now has one of the country’s leading horse racing communities. This state has a long relationship with sport that dates back to the mid-19th century.
Ever since the first racecourse was built in New Jersey, the popularity of horse racing only intensified leading to many new horse racing tracks being built across the state.
We know that most of the eyes are now focused towards Kentucky, as the Kentucky Derby approaches, but it doesn’t hurt to explore some new destinations where horse racing is popular. You might use the money from the Kentucky Derby winnings to pay for your next trip to New Jersey.
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Nowadays, New Jersey hosts some of the biggest and most important meets in the U.S. horse racing industry. It holds many state-of-the-art horse racing facilities, and this has turned out to be quite a tourist attraction that brings money from other states or countries.
So, what if you are a horse racing enthusiast and visiting New Jersey? What are some of the best horse racing tracks that you must visit?
History of Horse Racing in New Jersey
As we mentioned before, horse racing in New Jersey came around the mid-19th century and quickly became a beloved past activity. Soon after we got the birth of the first recorded horse race track in 1853 at Freehold Raceway. This is the oldest half-mile harness racing track in the United States.
After that, it was like an avalanche. We’ve got iconic venues like Monmouth Park and Atlantic City Race Course that really carried the sport to the future and made it relevant and popular.
The racing scene has transformed in recent years, thanks to technology improvements and creative race forms, ensuring that the spirit of competitiveness and the excitement of the track never fade.
Best Horse Racing Tracks in New Jersey
1. Atlantic City Race Course – 25 min ride from Ocean City
Our first pit break is at the famed Atlantic City Race Course, located in the busy metropolis of Atlantic City. With a long history dating back to 1946, this track has seen several spectacular races and amazing moments. From thoroughbred racing to harness racing, Atlantic City Race Course provides a wide range of racing activities for both seasoned fans and newbies.
Did You Know?
The Atlantic City Race Course was once home to the famous Atlantic City Handicap, attracting top-tier horses and jockeys from around the world.
2. Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment – 2 hours from Ocean City
The next place you’d want to visit is Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment in East Rutherford.
This historic stadium is not focused on horse racing events (even though they are the most popular), but it also offers many other entertainment options such as concerts, eating experiences, and more.
Meadowlands is a must-see destination for both racing and entertainment fans, thanks to its cutting-edge facilities and exciting atmosphere.
Fun Fact:
If you are visiting Meadowlands Racing make sure you schedule a visit during their signature event, the Meadowlands Pace. This is an iconic and very exciting race with intense competition.
3. Monmouth Park – 1 hour and 21 minutes from Ocean City
Monmouth Park in Oceanport is a hidden gem in the racing world.
This old racetrack, established in 1870, attracts visitors with its charm scenic surroundings, and dramatic races.
On top of that, there are many interesting and competitive races you wouldn’t want to miss. From the famous Haskell Invitational to spectacular turf races, Monmouth Park provides a riveting combination of heritage and excitement for racing fans.
Fun fact:
Monmouth Park set their own personal record for most people visiting Haskell Day in 2015. A surprisingly high number of spectators showed up. They hosted 60,983 fans during that day, which in contrast is about the same as the Super Bowl 2024. Maybe the reason behind this high attendance at Monmouth Park is because of the Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, who ran that day.
4. Freehold Raceway – 1 hour and 25 minutes from Ocean City
Our racing journey would be incomplete without a visit to Freehold Raceway, which is located in Freehold Borough and has to take a lot of credit for the popularity of the horse racing industry nowadays.
Freehold Raceway is also the oldest racetrack in the United States, which dates back to the 1830s when it only held harness races, not thoroughbred races.
It is a great way to experience some history, witness this incredible venue, and learn more about the roots of horse racing as a sport in the United States.
Did You Know?
Freehold Raceway holds the distinction of being the nation’s oldest half-mile harness racing track, showcasing the enduring legacy of the sport.
Final Words
As you can see, New Jersey has a lot of things to offer for horse racing enthusiasts. This is a state with a rich history behind horse racing, in fact, we can see the first traces of the sport here.
So, if you like some history sprinkled with thrills and adrenaline rush from modern events, make sure to include New Jersey in your travel destinations bucket list.
