Far Hills Races facts for kids
| Grade 1 race | |
"Far Hills races"
|
|
| Location | Far Hills, New Jersey, USA |
|---|---|
| Inaugurated | 1875 |
| Race type | Steeplechase |
| Race information | |
| Distance | TBU |
| Surface | Grass |
| Qualification | TBU |
| Weight | TBU |
| Purse | TBU |
| Bonuses | TBU |
The Far Hills Races is an exciting steeplechase horse race. It happens every year in Far Hills, New Jersey, New Jersey, USA. This event is a big deal, especially in October. The 100th race took place in 2021.
Race day can have over $1,000,000 in prize money. Six races offer the highest prizes on the National Steeplechase Association circuit. Many people, sometimes as many as 75,000, come to watch. It's a huge social event in the tri-state area. Visitors often set up amazing picnic areas. These can have beautiful flowers, ice sculptures, and delicious food. For many, it's a special tradition to meet up with family and friends.
Contents
History of the Races
The Far Hills Race Meeting started a long time ago. Its roots go back to the Essex Hunt, a fox hunting event. This event began in Montclair, New Jersey in 1870. The Essex Fox Hounds club created the race. It was a way to thank farmers and landowners. These people allowed the club to hunt on their land.
Moving to Moorland Farms
In 1916, the event moved to the Grant B. Schley estate. This place is now called Moorland Farms. The races have been held there ever since. They only stopped for a short time during World War II.
Important Races and Changes
The Breeders' Cup Grand National Steeplechase is a very important race. It returned to the Far Hills Races in 2000. This race is known for having the biggest prize money in American steeplechasing. USA Today once called it "steeplechasing's richest race."
In 2013, new rules were put in place for visitors. These rules helped make the event safer and more enjoyable for everyone. For example, people could no longer bring their own alcohol through general entrances. This helped to keep the event family-friendly. In 2018, Parimutuel wagering was offered for the first time. This means people could bet on the races.
Recent Events and Milestones
The 100th running of the race was planned for 2020. However, it was postponed to 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2021, the 100th race was shown on national television for the first time. It was on FS2 as part of America's Day at the Races. Larry Collmus was the announcer. The races were also shown on national TV in 2022 and 2023.
The 101st Far Hills Race Meeting happened on October 15, 2022. It showed some of the best steeplechase racing in America. A big race that day was the American Grand National. This was a Grade 1 hurdle race with a $250,000 prize. A horse named Snap Decision won this tough race. Another race was the Harry E. Harris Sport of Kings Four-Year-Old Hurdle Stakes. Ljay, ridden by Parker Hendriks, won this race.
The Far Hills Race Meeting always brings a big crowd. Between 25,000 and 45,000 people usually attend. They often set up amazing picnic spots. This makes the event feel like a big party. The 2022 event continued this tradition. It combined top-level racing with fun social activities.
Helping Others: Charity Work
The Far Hills Race has a long history of helping others. It raises money for many good causes. Since the 1950s, money from the race has gone to the Steeplechase Cancer Center. This center is at the Somerset Medical Center. By 2009, the race had raised over $17 million for the center. This money has helped the medical center grow. It has also helped them offer great medical services to people in New Jersey.
Many large companies also support the event. Over 40 major companies reserve special tents each year. Many more get reserved parking spots for their tailgates.
In 2007, the Far Hills Race Meeting Association also helped the New York Heroes Fund. This fund was set up to help emergency workers and victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks at the World Trade Center.
Race Highlights
In 2000, a horse named All Gong set a course record. It finished the Breeders' Cup Steeplechase in 4 minutes and 53.80 seconds.
In 2004, a horse named McDynamo won the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Steeplechase. This was his second win in a row. He had been recovering from surgery for 11 months. McDynamo won by 1 and a half lengths. The race was about 2 and 5/8 miles long. Horses had to jump over 14 fences. About 45,000 people watched that race.
In 2007, McDynamo tried to win for the fifth time in a row. He was 10 years old, making him the oldest horse in the race. He was one of nine horses competing for the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Grand National. This race had a $300,000 prize.
