New Jersey Harness Racing Faces Change After Closure

The final day of racing at Freehold Raceway on December 28 brought together trainers, workers, and longtime fans for one last gathering. After decades of operation, the closure of this New Jersey horse racing track forced many in the New Jersey Harness Racing community to rethink how and where they operate.

Freehold Raceway had long served as a dependable option for small to mid-level racing stables. Without it, trainers like Erin Gale, who manages Josh Gale Racing with her husband, Josh, are adjusting their strategies to stay active. “We’ve had to make several big strategic moves to shift our business,” she said.

The Gales have now relocated most of their operations to Delaware, purchasing horses bred in Delaware and Maryland to match the conditions of New Jersey horse racing tracks

in those states. It’s been a significant change, involving new travel routines, different racing schedules, and unfamiliar competitors.

This transition has not been easy. While The Meadowlands remains the largest and most recognized New Jersey Harness Racing track, its program is focused on higher-level competitors. Trainers who previously raced at Freehold are finding limited opportunities that match their horses’ classifications.

Gale is among those concerned that early assurances of additional spots for Freehold-level horses at The Meadowlands have not come through. “There’s been a lot of talk, but not much has changed for people in our position,” she said.

For many small operations, Freehold was more than just a racing venue. It offered regular starts and an accessible environment for stables without large rosters or deep resources. The Meadowlands’ schedule, by contrast, is narrower and more competitive, limiting entry for horses that raced regularly at Freehold.

This situation is also raising concerns about health insurance eligibility. Many New Jersey Harness Racing horsemen rely on insurance programs that require a minimum number of starts at New Jersey horse racing tracks. With Freehold closed, reaching that benchmark has become more difficult.

“When Freehold announced its closure, a lot of us asked if the start requirement would change,” Gale said. “We don’t have the same number of race dates now, and that affects real people.”

So far, no adjustments to these rules have been announced, leaving many trainers and owners in a difficult position. For now, they must either travel out of state or find a way to compete under stricter conditions at The Meadowlands.

This shift has intensified the focus on the current state of New Jersey Harness Racing. The industry is now being asked to reassess how smaller operations fit into the broader picture. While large-scale racing continues to draw attention, the loss of Freehold highlights how dependent many in the community were on a stable and consistent venue that welcomed a wider range of competitors.

New Jersey Harness Racing has long served as a cornerstone for both seasoned professionals and smaller stables. Without venues like Freehold, the accessibility that once defined this racing landscape is at risk. These changes could reshape how New Jersey Harness Racing is supported and sustained going forward.

On its final day, Freehold Raceway saw a steady stream of supporters, some there to race, others simply to say goodbye. For those who worked, trained, or cheered there, it marked the end of a familiar part of their routine.

One longtime fan said, “I grew up coming here. It’s where I learned about racing, made friends, and spent weekends. It’ll be missed.”

As horsemen look ahead, many hope that racing officials in New Jersey will consider adjustments that reflect current conditions. This includes changes to race eligibility, support programs, and insurance policies that once relied on Freehold’s consistent calendar.

In the meantime, trainers like Erin Gale are continuing their work outside the state, managing new routines and keeping their businesses afloat. While the change has been significant, it has also made clear how much the community relied on Freehold Raceway, not just for competition, but for connection and continuity.

Whether new solutions are introduced in the months ahead remains to be seen. For now, the New Jersey Harness Racing community in New Jersey is left adjusting, one decision at a time, in the absence of a New Jersey horse racing tracks that once played a central role.