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NEW JERSEY

95th annual Far Hills Race Meeting returns October 17

Susan Bloom
Correspondent
  • More than 30,000 spectators are expected to turn out for the 95th Annual Steeplechase in Far Hills on October 17.
  • Nearly 70 thoroughbred horses and 15 jockeys will take part in seven races over the course of the day-long event.
  • Robert Wood Johnson Somerset has been the primary beneficiary of race proceeds since the 1950s.
  • The event is well-known for its creative tailgaters, who arrive in everything from station wagons to Rolls Royces and enjoy spreads involving everything from potato chips to caviar.

If the weather is crisp and apples and pumpkins abound, it’s time for Central Jersey to celebrate another of its most esteemed local traditions – the annual Steeplechase horse races at Moorland Farm in Far Hills.

Taking place Saturday, Oct. 17, more than 30,000 spectators are expected to turn out for the 95th annual event, which promises a day high on equestrian feats, extreme tailgating, and warm community spirit, all benefitting Somerset Health Care Foundation, which supports Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset in Somerville.

According to Far Hills native Guy Torsilieri, chairman of the Far Hills Race Meeting Association and president of the Elkton, MD-based National Steeplechase Association (NSA), steeplechases are races run by thoroughbred horses over a national fence.

Sanctioned by the NSA, “the Steeplechase in Far Hills is one of the largest of 32 races that take place up and down the east coast, most of which are held on behalf of a charity,” he said. “The circuit starts in March in Camden, South Carolina, and works its way up the east coast to Saratoga, New York, by early fall, then moves back down again,” ultimately landing in Far Hills by the third Saturday in October.

Across the range of east coast venues, steeplechase races average between 2.1 and 2.6 miles in length and include 10-14 hurdles, each of which measures just under three feet. In Far Hills on Saturday, “gates open to the public at 8 a.m. and the first of seven races begins at 1 p.m., continuing every 45 minutes until the last race at 5 p.m.,” Torsilieri said, adding that the races will involve 65 to 70 registered thoroughbred horses – most of which began their careers at Belmont, Saratoga, Monmouth Park, and other flat tracks – ridden by 15 jockeys, who will run in multiple races that day.

This year may also welcome the possibility of up to five horses coming from Europe to compete.

While Torsilieri said that all of the east coast races take place in different and beautiful venues, he described the site of the Far Hills Steeplechase – one of the most heavily-attended of the 32 events -- as exceptional.

“The 230-acre Moorland Farm property on which the Far Hills Steeplechase has been run since its inception in 1920 was part of the original 5,000-acre Grant B. Schley estate,” he said. “With its bowl-shaped design, it’s like a natural amphitheater that offers spectacular panoramic views of everything, and it’s also in close proximity to such major area roads as Route 287, 206, 202, and Liberty Corner Road as well as being easily accessible by NJ Transit.”

While extensive general admission parking/tailgating space is available, tickets – especially for the more than 1,600 premium spots located on the hilltop, which offer trackside, unobstructed views of the race – are highly desirable and are often passed down in families.

A Beautiful Day, A Great Cause

Though the horses are well-bred, the races are competitive, and the day features a total purse of $600,000 – the highest purse structure of all 32 races – Torsilieri is quick to note that you needn’t be a ‘horse person’ to enjoy the annual gathering.

“Many come for the camaraderie and to have a beautiful day in the country, and there’s an amazing array of tailgate arrangements on display,” he said of fan fêtes which involve everything from hoagies, hot dogs, and potato chips to elaborate extravaganzas featuring filet mignon, caviar, and crystal.

“It’s exciting to walk the aisles and see people celebrating the day in everything from station wagons to Rolls Royces,” said Rod Ryan, CEO of Open Road Auto Group, which has 20 locations throughout the New Jersey/New York area and has been a main sponsor of the event (along with co-sponsor Peapack-Gladstone Bank) for over a quarter-century.

“Our family has attended for the last 25 to 30 years and it’s a lovely day – perfectly gentrified but not elitist -- to spend with friends and family,” Ryan said, noting that he and wife Dianne, daughter Jaimie, and granddaughter Grace have been an equestrian family for decades. In addition to hosting their own tailgate experience, at which attendees can enjoy flavored beers, pretzels, and other Octoberfest-themed fixings under their company tent, Ryan said that Open Road will once again be donating and raffling off a luxury auto, with the proceeds benefitting Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset.

“We typically sell 900 to 1,000 tickets at $100 a piece, which all goes directly to the hospital each year,” he said. “It creates some additional fun at the race for a great cause and we’re proud to do it.”

“The Far Hills Race Meeting Association supports several health organizations in our community, but Robert Wood Johnson Somerset, formerly Somerset Medical Center, has been the primary beneficiary of race proceeds over the history of our relationship, which dates back to the 1950s,” said Brian Agnew, senior vice president and corporate chief development officer for the Robert Wood Johnson Health System.

The Steeplechase Cancer Center -- built in 2007, named in honor of the Far Hills Race Meeting Association, and located on the RWJ Somerset campus -- is a dedicated, full-service outpatient facility that features the nationally-accredited Sanofi U.S. Breast Care Program as well as radiation oncology, infusion therapy, clinical trials, complementary medical services, and the Sanofi U.S. Wellness Boutique.

“Thanks to the Far Hills Race Meeting Association’s gift of more than $18 million over the years, RWJ Somerset has been able to fund a broad range of services throughout the hospital system, including the recent purchase of two additional ambulances to serve the community,” Agnew said. “We greatly appreciate the FHRMA’s commitment to supporting RWJ Somerset,” Agnew noted, “and we annually recruit nearly 400 volunteers from the RWJ family to help support the event as well.”

Labor of Love

According to Torsilieri, those volunteers will join numerous others -- including several hundred state and municipal police, who will be on hand to assist with traffic control and safety – on Oct. 17.

While the combination of the event’s broad appeal and tight parking have been known to cause traffic snarls at and around property entrances in Far Hills and Bedminster, “we appreciate everyone’s tolerance that day if they’re not coming to the event because it’s for a great cause,” said Torsilieri, who suggests that area residents avoid driving in the area during the heaviest traffic periods from 8 to 10 a.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. For those who are attending, “come early to avoid traffic and consider taking NJ Transit, which transported 9,000 of our attendees – almost 30 percent – last year. We’re also arranging for limos and taxi services to help deliver and retrieve people to help minimize any bottlenecks,” he said.

For Torsilieri and his team, the hard work of overseeing this iconic fall event is well worth the effort. “Friends, families, and colleagues convene here every year to enjoy this tradition, rain or shine,” he said. “There are so many participants and volunteers taking part and once you get involved, it captures you and you’re hooked. I love the event, the horses, and racing, and the cause,” he said.

Ryan agreed. An active supporter of many community organizations, “the Far Hills Steeplechase is a lot of fun and a great way to spend time with friends and family while benefitting the hospital, a charity that’s near and dear to me,” Ryan said. “It’s a very special local event and at the end of the day, you know you did something good for people who need it.”

By the numbers

  • 2015 marks the 95th edition of the Far Hills Race Meeting/Steeplechase
  • More than 30,000 spectators are expected to attend
  • Some 65 to 70 of the finest thoroughbreds on the National Steeplechase Association circuit will compete in the event’s seven races
  • The event’s total purse of $600,000 is the largest of any steeplechase in America
  • There are 1,682 tailgating spots at Moorland Farm in Far Hills
  • 4,137 bales of hay are brought in for the event annually
  • 400 volunteers help make the event possible
  • Since the 1950s, more than $18 million has been raised by the Far Hills Race Meeting to benefit Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset
  • Five years ago, additional spectating opportunities, including the Chairman’s Tent and Family area, were offered for the first time

Far Hills Race Meeting

Through Friday, Oct. 16, general admission tickets to the Far Hills Race Meeting can be purchased in advance for $100 and parking tickets for $30 through area vendors. On event day, general admission and parking tickets can only be purchased at the gate at a cost of $200 for general admission and $30 for parking. For more information on special corporate and family packages, a list of local ticket vendors, directions, mass transit opportunities, or any other information on the event, call 908-234-9115 or visit www.farhillsrace.org.