Freehold Raceway to Close in December

SBOANJ President Mark Ford Expresses Surprise

Freehold Raceway, a historic harness racing track in New Jersey, will close its doors in December, according to an announcement made by track president Mark Ford.

Ford expressed shock at the decision, saying that it came as a "very big shock" to him and other track officials. He said that the track had been working on plans to improve its operations and increase attendance, but that the decision to close was made by the track's owner, Penn National Gaming.

Financial Struggles and Increased Competition

Freehold Raceway has been struggling financially in recent years, as it faces increased competition from other harness racing tracks in the region. The track has also been impacted by the decline in popularity of harness racing in recent years.

The closure of Freehold Raceway will result in the loss of jobs for over 100 people who work at the track. It will also be a major blow to the local economy, as the track has been a major tourist attraction for decades.

Impact on the Community

The closure of Freehold Raceway will have a significant impact on the local community. The track has been a major employer in the area, and its closure will result in the loss of jobs for many people.

The track has also been a major tourist attraction, and its closure will likely lead to a decrease in tourism in the area. This could have a negative impact on local businesses that rely on tourism for revenue.

Questions and Concerns

The announcement of Freehold Raceway's closure has raised a number of questions and concerns among the local community. Many people are wondering what will happen to the track's employees and what the impact will be on the local economy.

There are also concerns about the future of harness racing in New Jersey. The closure of Freehold Raceway will leave only one harness racing track in the state, and some people are concerned that this could lead to the decline of the sport in New Jersey.