Freehold Raceway, the oldest horse racing track in the United States, is shutting down at the end of the year.

The general manager said the decision was extremely difficult, but they could not continue operating the racetrack under existing conditions.

Freehold Raceway General Manager Howard Bruno said it was an extremely difficult decision considering the track's history dating back to the 1830s.

The oldest horse racetrack in New Jersey, and the United States is closing at the end of the year. Freehold Raceway is, and has been a major part of the community for a very long time, and also has major historical importance on a national level.

Freehold Raceway officials announced Thursday the nation’s oldest horse racing track will cease all live harness racing and simulcast operations, effective Dec. 28, 2024.

Freehold Raceway announced today that it expects to cease all live harness racing and simulcast operations as of

December 1853 - Monmouth County Agriculture Society was formed to hold an annual fair with harness racing in the Township of Freehold. Annual membership fee would be $1 and a one-time payment of $10 would permit a person to be a life member. It has been researched that racing was held at the same site as early as the 1830s.