About The Oldest Sports Venue In America
It has been researched that racing was held at this same site as early as the 1830s
A sports venue is defined as a building, structure, or place in which a sporting event is held. Venue is derived from the Latin for "come" (venire), and it's a place people come to.
Freehold Raceway in Freehold, New Jersey is the oldest racetrack in America. In fact, it is also the oldest sports venue of any kind in America. It has been researched that racing was held at this same site as early as the 1830s.
The state of New Jersey defines Freehold Raceway as the nation's oldest and fastest daytime half mile harness racing track. The World Sports Network recognizes it as the oldest running racetrack. World Casino Directory describes it as the oldest racetrack in the United States.
In December of 1853 Monmouth County Agriculture Society was formed to hold an annual fair with harness racing in the Township of Freehold. Annual Membership fee would be $1.00 and one-time payment of $10 would permit a person to be a life member.
In 1854 the Monmouth County Agriculture Society rented a 10-acre plot of land from Hudson Bennett for a sum of $50 a year. That land is now currently the site of Freehold Raceway. The first fair met after expenses showed a balance of $286.06.
The Freehold Raceway site has been officially hosting horseraces ever since. Horseracing at Freehold Raceway began 10 years before races started at the historic and very popular Saratoga Racetrack in Saratoga Springs, NY.
In 1967 Freehold Raceway reconstructed the racetrack to allow for eight horses to start behind the starting gate, instead of just six horses with two trailers, as Freehold entered the modern age of racing. On May 4th, 1984 the grandstand and dining room were destroyed by an early evening fire caused by an electrical short in an odds board.
On July 15, 1985 Wilmorite, Inc. began rebuilding the new grandstand and dining room at an estimated cost of over $12,000,000. Racing went on under plastic "Bubbles" to extend the season to January 8, 1986, along with simulcasting from the Meadowlands at night.
Freehold Raceway is notable for its long history and contributions to harness racing in the country. Harness racing is a form of horse racing where horses pull a two-wheeled cart, called a "sulky," and the jockey sits in the sulky behind the horse.
Unlike thoroughbred racing, where jockeys ride on the horse's back, harness racing is known for its distinctive style and pacing. Freehold Raceway hosts harness racing events throughout the year, attracting both professional drivers and horse owners as well as spectators who enjoy the excitement of the sport.
The track features a half-mile oval and offers various races and events for different classes of horses. The raceway venue also offers simulcast wagering on races from other tracks, allowing visitors to be on races happening across the country.
Freehold Raceway provides betting opportunities for spectators who wish to wager on the races. It's a popular destination for harness racing enthusiasts and continues to play a significant role in the sport's tradition and history.
