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For more than a century, the Far Hills Race Meet has been part of the fabric of the Far Hills, N.J. community, and it’s grown into the state’s premier social and sporting event.
The annual gathering at Moorland Farm is a highlight of the fall season and attracts thousands of spectators who return, year after year, to watch the world’s finest steeplechases, reconnect with family and friends, support worthy causes, and make memories to last a lifetime.
The Far Hills Race Meet centennial celebration in 2021 was an unforgettable afternoon highlighted by a championship-deciding win by The Mean Queen in the Grand National Hurdle Stakes. In 2022, Hewick was a runaway 11 ½-length winner of the Grand National Hurdle in a season-defining victory that led to an Ecliipse Award as champion Steeplechase horse. And last year, Noah and the Ark “sailed” to an upset win in the Grand National in front of a celebratory crowd, returning $37 for a $2 win ticket.
So, what is in store for 2024? What should I wear to the Far Hills Race Meeting? Can I bet? What do I need to know ahead of raceday? You have questions, we have answers! Here’s what you need to know before you go to the famed New Jersey jump races on Saturday, Oct. 19.
1. Know which races are being run.
The Far Hills Race Meeting is scheduled to have six races on the program worth $700,000 in purses, the most prestigious of which is the $250,000 American Grand National, held at 2 5/8 miles over national fences. With the highest prize money of the afternoon, you’re sure to see some of the top jump horses in the nation for a race that is considered a Grade 1 by the National Steeplechase Association.
2. You can bet on Far Hills!
In 2018, Far Hills offered pari-mutuel wagering to patrons for the first time. New to betting or betting on steeplechase? The thing to remember if you are planning to attend the 2024 Far Hills Race Meeting is that the horse racing pari-mutuel betting system means you’re not playing against the house, you’re playing against your fellow bettors. So picking against the favorite can yield a nice payout, as happened last year in the Grand National with Noah and the Ark.
But that's not all! MonmouthBets now offers Fixed Odds betting for Far Hills, which means the price you select when you place your bet on the MonmouthBets App, is the price you get paid if your bet is a winner. You can bet Win, Place, and Show bets at a fixed price. The odds still change as people are betting in the pari-mutuel pool; however, your price remains locked in.
3. What is New in 2024?
In 2023, Far Hills introduced the all-new and exclusive Hunt Club provided by Penelope Bourbon, restricted to guests 21 and over. The Hunt Club, which has a $50 admission, includes a private area along the backstretch with a front row view of the racing action, and for 2024 several new experiences will be offered.
They include a virtual reality (VR) JockeyCam for guests, a mechanical bull, an on-site store showcaseing the fall collection from Faherty Clothing, a mobile 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 bring and what you should leave at home.
It’s important to bring the basics: sunscreen (yes, even in October!), a phone charger, and sunglasses are all a good call. But be sure to check out the FAQs so you don’t accidentally bring something that’s not allowed. For example, you can’t bring alcohol in through the pedestrian gate. Only reserved parking spot holders, corporate tent holders, and registered caterers are permitted to bring alcohol on the property for private parties. No pets (aside from service animals) are allowed and please leave your ice luges at home.
5. You don’t have to drive to Far Hills – there’s lots of public transportation.
The steeplechase action is going to be incredible on Oct. 19, and getting to Far Hills is simple: New Jersey Transit will offer trains trains from Hoboken, N.J., continuously on race day, and Far Hills also has an area for fans using rideshares to arrive and depart from the races. While general parking is available, remember that you should not drive if you’re planning to indulge in a few cocktails at Far Hills. Better safe than sorry!
6. You can tailgate!
Far Hills is famous for its tailgating scene – putting on an elaborate spread with seasonal decoration is a point of pride for attendees, so make sure you stroll the area while you’re at the races. You never know – you could make some amazing new friends and be offered the chance to take part in a bite or a sip. The gates open for fans at 8 a.m. ET and the first post time is 12:50 p.m.
7. A Familiar Voice Is Back.
Veteran horseracing caller Larry Collmus (pictured above at the 2021 event) will be back at Far Hills once again to call the afternoon of races. Best known as the voice of the Kentucky Derby and the Breeders’ Cup, Collmus is widely considered one of professional racing’s most acclaimed race caller. Throughout his 40-plus-year career, Collmus has amassed a long list of accomplishments, including calling Triple Crown-winning victories for American Pharoah and Justify. Collmus has said he’s a big fan of steeplechase racing, which he views as “more about sport than money,” and enjoys coming to Far Hills to soak up its unique celebratory atmosphere.
8. Speaking of atmosphere ...
In Collmus’ own words: “Far Hills is more of a party. One thing I noticed was the age of the crowd. People are always asking ‘how can we make horseracing more appealing to a younger crowd?’ – and this was full of college kids having a great time. It was a real ‘people experience,’ with whole generations of families behind the track and people dressed in fancy hats like at the Kentucky Derby.”
9. Tickets are still available.
If you don’t have your tickets yet, don’t panic! You can still buy them online, and there are plenty of options for every budget. Whether you want to be in the Chairman’s Tent, try the Hunt Club, or simply experience the day via general admission. The general admission to Far Hills doubles if tickets are bought on race day, Oct. 19 – be sure to get your tickets before midnight on Friday, Oct. 18!
10. Dress to impress, but also for comfort.
If you’re a fall fashion fan, you’re going to love Far Hills. Dress to impress, but remember to also be comfortable. That means forsaking your favorite stiletto boots or the monk straps that pinch your toes – Far Hills is not the place to plan on sitting around. That’s because …
11. The grounds are huge, and there’s a lot to see.
The Far Hills Race Meet is one of the most beautiful venues around, and it’s massive. The racetrack itself is only a fraction of the grounds, and there is so much to explore while you’re there. From the vendor village to tailgating, the finish line to the Hunt Club, you’re going to want the chance to wander and see all the excitement of an afternoon of steeplechasing.
12. You never know what you might witness.
You could say James Damiano was the biggest winner at the 2021 Far Hills Race Meeting. Better than cashing in big on a bet, James got a “yes” when he popped the question to his girlfriend Bryn Dragalin in front of their friends and family … and 30,000 racegoers who watched from the jumbotron.
13. The race meeting is a huge fundraiser for charities.
Far Hills Race Meeting has donated more than $20 million to charity over its history, and this year’s beneficiaries include RWJ Barnabas Health, Crossroads4Hope, Bonnie Brae, Community in Crisis, and LifeCamp. By attending the races, you’ll be helping some very worthy charities. Everyone wins!