For greater than a century, the Far Hills Race Meet has been a part of the material of the Far Hills, N.J. group, and it’s grown into the state’s premier social and sporting occasion.
The annual gathering at Moorland Farm is a spotlight of the autumn season and attracts hundreds of spectators who return, 12 months after 12 months, to observe the world’s best steeplechases, reconnect with household and buddies, help worthy causes, and make recollections to final a lifetime.
The Far Hills Race Meet centennial celebration in 2021 was an unforgettable afternoon highlighted by a championship-deciding win by The Imply Queen within the Grand Nationwide Hurdle Stakes. In 2022, Hewick was a runaway 11 ½-length winner of the Grand Nationwide Hurdle in a season-defining victory that led to an Ecliipse Award as champion Steeplechase horse. And final 12 months, Noah and the Ark “sailed” to an upset win within the Grand Nationwide in entrance of a celebratory crowd, returning $37 for a $2 win ticket.
So, what’s in retailer for 2024? What ought to I put on to the Far Hills Race Assembly? Can I guess? What do I have to know forward of raceday? You could have questions, we now have solutions! Right here’s what that you must know earlier than you go to the famed New Jersey soar races on Saturday, Oct. 19.
1. Know which races are being run.
The Far Hills Race Assembly is scheduled to have six races on this system price $700,000 in purses, probably the most prestigious of which is the $250,000 American Grand Nationwide, held at 2 5/8 miles over nationwide fences. With the very best prize cash of the afternoon, you’re certain to see a few of the prime soar horses within the nation for a race that’s thought of a Grade 1 by the Nationwide Steeplechase Affiliation.
2. You may guess on Far Hills!
In 2018, Far Hills provided pari-mutuel wagering to patrons for the primary time. New to betting or betting on steeplechase? The factor to recollect in case you are planning to attend the 2024 Far Hills Race Assembly is that the horse racing pari-mutuel betting system means you’re not enjoying in opposition to the home, you’re enjoying in opposition to your fellow bettors. So selecting in opposition to the favourite can yield a pleasant payout, as occurred final 12 months within the Grand Nationwide with Noah and the Ark.
However that is not all! MonmouthBets now provides Mounted Odds betting for Far Hills, which implies the value you choose while you place your guess on the MonmouthBets App, is the value you receives a commission in case your guess is a winner. You may guess Win, Place, and Present bets at a hard and fast worth. The percentages nonetheless change as persons are betting within the pari-mutuel pool; nevertheless, your worth stays locked in.
3. What’s New in 2024?
In 2023, Far Hills launched the all-new and unique Hunt Membership offered by Penelope Bourbon, restricted to company 21 and over. The Hunt Membership, which has a $50 admission, features a non-public space alongside the backstretch with a entrance row view of the racing motion, and for 2024 a number of new experiences will probably be provided.
They embrace a digital actuality (VR) JockeyCam for company, a mechanical bull, an on-site retailer showcaseing the autumn assortment from Faherty Clothes, a cell cigar lounge, and new DJs Jay Bonax and Dario Valli. Dario is the grandson of the quintessential Jersey Boy, Frankie Valli.
4. Know what you’re allowed to convey and what it is best to depart at residence.
It’s vital to convey the fundamentals: sunscreen (sure, even in October!), a telephone charger, and sun shades are all name. However you’ll want to try the FAQs so that you don’t by accident convey one thing that’s not allowed. For instance, you possibly can’t convey alcohol in by way of the pedestrian gate. Solely reserved parking spot holders, company tent holders, and registered caterers are permitted to convey alcohol on the property for personal events. No pets (other than service animals) are allowed and please depart your ice luges at residence.
5. You don’t should drive to Far Hills – there’s plenty of public transportation.
The steeplechase motion goes to be unimaginable on Oct. 19, and attending to Far Hills is easy: New Jersey Transit will provide trains trains from Hoboken, N.J., constantly on race day, and Far Hills additionally has an space for followers utilizing rideshares to reach and depart from the races. Whereas common parking is accessible, do not forget that you shouldn’t drive if you happen to’re planning to bask in just a few cocktails at Far Hills. Higher secure than sorry!
6. You may tailgate!
Far Hills is known for its tailgating scene – placing on an elaborate unfold with seasonal ornament is some extent of pleasure for attendees, so be sure to stroll the world when you’re on the races. You by no means know – you may make some wonderful new buddies and be provided the possibility to participate in a chew or a sip. The gates open for followers at 8 a.m. ET and the primary submit time is 12:50 p.m.
7. A Acquainted Voice Is Again.
Veteran horseracing caller Larry Collmus (pictured above on the 2021 occasion) will probably be again at Far Hills as soon as once more to name the afternoon of races. Finest often called the voice of the Kentucky Derby and the Breeders’ Cup, Collmus is broadly thought of certainly one of skilled racing’s most acclaimed race caller. All through his 40-plus-year profession, Collmus has amassed an extended checklist of accomplishments, together with calling Triple Crown-winning victories for American Pharoah and Justify. Collmus has stated he’s a giant fan of steeplechase racing, which he views as “extra about sport than cash,” and enjoys coming to Far Hills to absorb its distinctive celebratory environment.
8. Talking of environment …
In Collmus’ personal phrases: “Far Hills is extra of a celebration. One factor I observed was the age of the group. Persons are at all times asking ‘how can we make horseracing extra interesting to a youthful crowd?’ – and this was full of school youngsters having a good time. It was an actual ‘folks expertise,’ with complete generations of households behind the observe and other people wearing fancy hats like on the Kentucky Derby.”
9. Tickets are nonetheless accessible.
When you don’t have your tickets but, don’t panic! You may nonetheless purchase them on-line, and there are many choices for each price range. Whether or not you need to be within the Chairman’s Tent, strive the Hunt Membership, or just expertise the day through common admission. The final admission to Far Hills doubles if tickets are purchased on race day, Oct. 19 – you’ll want to get your tickets earlier than midnight on Friday, Oct. 18!
10. Costume to impress, but in addition for consolation.
When you’re a fall vogue fan, you’re going to like Far Hills. Costume to impress, however bear in mind to even be snug. Which means forsaking your favourite stiletto boots or the monk straps that pinch your toes – Far Hills will not be the place to plan on sitting round. That’s as a result of …
11. The grounds are large, and there’s loads to see.
The Far Hills Race Meet is among the most stunning venues round, and it’s large. The racetrack itself is simply a fraction of the grounds, and there may be a lot to discover when you’re there. From the seller village to tailgating, the end line to the Hunt Membership, you’re going to need the possibility to wander and see all the thrill of a day of steeplechasing.
12. You by no means know what you may witness.
You can say James Damiano was the largest winner on the 2021 Far Hills Race Assembly. Higher than cashing in massive on a guess, James received a “sure” when he popped the query to his girlfriend Bryn Dragalin in entrance of their family and friends … and 30,000 racegoers who watched from the jumbotron.
13. The race assembly is a big fundraiser for charities.
Far Hills Race Assembly has donated greater than $20 million to charity over its historical past, and this 12 months’s beneficiaries embrace RWJ Barnabas Well being, Crossroads4Hope, Bonnie Brae, Group in Disaster, and LifeCamp. By attending the races, you’ll be serving to some very worthy charities. Everybody wins!
