Nonprofit Looks to Freehold Raceway to Save Open Space

A New Jersey nonprofit organization is looking to the Freehold Raceway as a way to promote their mission.

At the March 19 Freehold Borough Council meeting, Open Space Pace, a non-profit corporation, presented an event to the Council that would create a local interest for horse racing and perserve New Jersey Open Space. The event, which will take place in September, will raise money and promote horse racing, in hopes of preserving New Jersey Open Space that is currently used by horse farms.

After the presentation, Councilman George Schnurr explained that if horse farms are sold, their land will lead to new housing developments, which means a rise in the number of children that need to be educated.

“As a direct result of loosing the horse racing industry, taxes will go up,” said Schnurr.

In order to promote horse racing, Open Space Pace is hoping to create a crowd of 5,000 people at the Freehold Raceway on September 29. At the event, attendees can learn about horse ownership, training, the benefit of horse farms, and how to handicap and bet on races. The event will also feature a parade from to the racetrack, fun family activities and many unique races including celebrity and under saddles races.

Anyone interested in becoming involved in the September event can learn more about Open Space Pace by visiting their website.