Celebrity Sightings at the Betfair.com Haskell Invitational

July 30th, 2016 by Penelope Miller

Expect a large crowd Sunday for the Haskell Invitational Stakes at Monmouth Park. If you are interested in seeing a couple of celebs, the Haskell is a terrific spot for a sighting. (Eclipse Sportswire)

The $1 million betfair.com Haskell Invitational Stakes is Sunday at Monmouth Park, and the horses won’t be the only stars in town for the "War at the Shore."

While the Thoroughbreds undoubtedlywill be shining bright on the racetrack, the track has also been known to attract plenty of stars from the human firmament over the years.

Below are a few celebs of the two-footed variety you might see at Monmouth Park on Sunday, and don't forget to watch the Breeders' Cup Chalenge Series "Win and You're In" race for the Breeders' Cup Classic on NBC with coverage beginning at 5 p.m. ET.

Photos below by Penelope P. Miller/ America's Best Racing, except for the Bruce Springsteen image, which appears courtesy of WikiMedia Commons/Sister72.

1. Bill Murray

Everyone’s favorite funnyman was at the 2015 Haskell Invitational; he even called “Riders up!” to the jockeys before last year’s big race as well as delighted crowds by posing with fans lining the rail.

2. Richie Sambora

The guitarist for New Jersey rock band Bon Jovi is a huge horse racing fan, and he’s been known to make an appearance at the "Shore’s Greatest Stretch" for the Haskell Invitational.

3. Chris Christie

The New Jersey governor is certainly a recognizable face in this election year, and it would not be a surprise to see him back at this year’s Haskell. After all, about 13,000 voters in the state of New Jersey are employed by the equine industry!

4. KISS

Peter Criss, the co-founder of Kiss, lives in Wall, NJ; and Kiss frontman Gene Simmons is a longtime horse racing fan and supporter. Will the band be front and center on Haskell day?

5. Mario Gutierrez

The ESPY Award-winning jockey definitely will be at Monmouth Park on Sunday – after all, he’s going to be riding his Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist in the betfair.com Haskell Invitational! Keep your eyes peeled and you may even get an autograph on your program on the big day.

6. Bruce Springsteen

The New Jersey musician/hero may or may not make it to the track on Sunday, but you’re guaranteed to hear his voice: the Boss’s iconic “Born to Run” is the walkout song for the horses running in the betfair.com Haskell Invitational Stakes.