Patch Readers Share Memories Of Freehold Raceway

FREEHOLD, NJ — News of Freehold Raceway ending operations shocked the Monmouth County community on Sept. 19.

After 170 years of business, the racetrack has become a landmark for New Jersey residents, but after issues with track management and a "declining interest in standardbred harness racing," Freehold Borough Mayor Kevin Kane said the raceway will officially close on Dec. 28.

According to Kane, the Borough Council is planning to conduct a redevelopment study of the track following its closure to determine “the highest and best use” for the property.

For Freehold Raceway General Manager Howard Bruno, deciding to close Freehold Raceway wasn’t easy.

“This was an extremely difficult decision, especially given the historical importance of Freehold Raceway to the local community and the New Jersey horse racing industry,” Bruno said. “Unfortunately, the operations of the racetrack cannot continue under existing conditions, and we do not see a plausible way forward.”

In light of the Raceway’s impending closure, Patch asked readers to share their memories of the track with us and reflect on Freehold Raceway’s decades of events in Monmouth County.

Here’s what readers had to say:

For Manasquan resident Sharon Chiara and her cousin, Lisa Chiara, memories of Freehold Raceway date back to Sharon's Uncle Jim (who owned racehorse F. W. Dow) and Sharon's father, Joe.

Both Joe and Jim Chiara were in the Raceway’s winner circle with driver Joey Andolpho on Oct. 5, 1973, Sharon Chiara said.

The family’s memories of the track date back over 50 years.

“Really do feel badly the track is closing,” Sharon said.

For Rose Fanelli, Freehold Raceway brings memories of good times with both friends and family.

“I had a wonderful day with family at Freehold Racetrack,” Fanelli said. “I got to make many friends. So sorry to hear it’s closing.”

And for some, the track’s closure is about more than losing a historical landmark.

Freehold resident Peter Grandich began going to Freehold Raceway 50 years ago from the Bronx, New York.

After moving to Howell in 1984, Grandich owned horses and raced at the track often, even hosting various “Day At the Races” charity events through his company.

Following his move to Freehold Township in 2009, Grandich continued his patronage of the track. When news of the Raceway’s closure came, Grandich said it wasn’t easy to hear.

“I don’t know what it says about my personal life, but Freehold Raceway was my most favorite thing to do in my spare time,” Grandich said. “I can’t imagine life without it and can only imagine how so many people who worked and race there must feel.”

“It feels like I lost a great friend,” Grandich said.

Related:

• Freehold Raceway To End Operations In December
• Freehold Raceway Up For Potential Redevelopment Amid Sudden Closure
• Share Your Memories Of Freehold Raceway With Patch