Exploring Monmouth County's Equestrian Heritage
Compiled & Edited by JOSEPH V. KUCA
With more thoroughbreds per capita than the storied bluegrass state of Kentucky, Monmouth County, New Jersey can be rightly considered truly the Garden State's equestrian epicenter.
Here we'll take a look at the rich equestrian heritage of Monmouth County, NJ. Sure we may be situated in the most densely populated area of the most densely populated state in the nation, but before now did you know that per capita New Jersey boasted more thoroughbred racehorses than the famed bluegrass state of Kentucky?
The equestrian heritage of New Jersey was largely written right here in Monmouth County, from the Haskell to the Monmouth County Hunt, from amateur equestrian eventing to AA-rated equestrian eventing like the Monmouth County Horse Show, it's all right here in our own backyard. Who better than Land Rover Monmouth to show you around our wonderful little county to showcase its equestrian jewels.
Land Rover is the official vehicle of the US Equestrian Federation and the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games. Land Rover Monmouth is the 2010/2011 sponsors of the Monmouth County Hunt, as well as official sponsors of the 2010 Monmouth County Horse Show and Colts Neck Polo.
Whether your interests run to thoroughbred racing, three-day eventing, trotters and pacers, cross country, steeplechase, hunters and jumpers, equitation, fox hunting or polo, opportunities abound here in Land Rover Monmouth's very own backyard to enjoy, actively or passively, the pursuit of your interests in a wide array of world-class equestrian sports and competitions held year round.
A day at the races at beautiful and historic MONMOUTH PARK...
Monmouth Park has been a Jersey shore tradition since the year 1870. Three buildings have carried the name Monmouth Park in the last 139 years. A history rich with racing meets characterizes the nearly century and a half of events held at Monmouth Park.
Monmouth Park’s long and storied history actually dates back to July 30, 1870 when the track opened, just three miles from Long Branch, NJ. The track was a result of the innovative ideas of New York businessman John F. Chamberlain, New Jersey Senate President Amos Robbins and Adams Express Company President John Hoey in an effort to increase summer trade for once bustling shore communities. Their ploy worked, and Monmouth Park opened its inaugural five-day meet amid much national fanfare.
With the high caliber of its racing, Monmouth Park achieved distinction as the “Newmarket of America”– a reference to the famed racecourse in England. Three years after the first Monmouth Park was opened, financial difficulties forced the track to close. Racing returned to Monmouth Park under a syndicate of George L. Lorillard, D.D. Withers, G.P. Wetmore and James Gordon Bennett. They spent four years restoring the grounds and rebuilding the grandstand and in 1882, the rebuilt Monmouth Park opened its gates.
Due to its overwhelming popularity, a new racecourse was built adjacent to the existing track, and in 1890 the second Monmouth Park opened. Monmouth Park’s gates were not open for long. In 1891, the Monmouth Park meet was moved to Jerome Park and Morris Park while state legislation tried to suppress pari-mutuel wagering. The state was ultimately successful, and on March 21, 1894, banned wagering on horses. The track was closed and the land sold. Racing would not return for over 50 years.
The current Monmouth Park structure dates back to 1946.
During the 1940’s, Amory L. Haskell played a major part in lobbying to legalize pari-mutuel wagering for both the Standardbred and Thoroughbred industries. On June 19, 1946, for the third time and after a 53-year hiatus, Monmouth Park reopened its doors. Under the new leadership of Haskell, Philip H. Iselin, Reeve Schley, Joseph M. Roebling, Townsend B. Martin, John MacDonald and James Cox Brady, the Monmouth Park Jockey Club was born. Iselin became chairman of the construction committee and was named treasurer of the Monmouth Park Jockey Club. In later years, after the death of Haskell, he would take over as president of the track.
Opening day attracted 18,724 in attendance, and Monmouth Park returned to a level of glory and prestige that had only been a memory. The first horse on the grounds was Ship Ahoy, who arrived from Mexico for owner Mrs. L. V. Bellew of Chicago. Jockey Nick Jemas won two that day including the opener aboard Blind Path. Modern day stakes races, including the Molly Pitcher Handicap and the Lamplighter, held their inaugural running in 1946, with the Monmouth Oaks and Colleen Stakes continuing their popularity from the 1800’s. The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority purchased Monmouth Park in 1986 and many of the historic, century-old stakes races were re-instated, with the Monmouth Cup, inaugurated in 1884, renamed the Philip H. Iselin Handicap.
Today the Haskell Invitational and the Monmouth Oaks are days to be marked on any dedicated racing fans calendar.
Steeplechase...
Not your ordinary day of racing at Monmouth Park, the Monmouth Park-Meridian Health Steeplechase is an exciting mix of steeplechase and traditional flat races, with many family friendly activities and entertainment to make this a unique and memorable experience.
Otherwise known as jump racing, steeplechase racing features a series of jumps and obstacles, and is most often held at official “race meetings” held throughout the country.
Presented in partnership with the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and National Steeplechase Association, the Monmouth Park-Meridian Health Steeplechase brings the excitement of steeplechase racing back to the community, with the proceeds from the day benefiting the programs and services at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
About the Tradition...
With a rich history of horse breeding and racing, Monmouth County was the home to a beloved steeplechase horse racing tradition, with horses from around the country competing in what was commonly known as the Monmouth Hunt.
For decades, the annual event was supported by many dedicated individuals from the community, featuring an exciting day of steeplechase horse racing and raising charitable funds for local not-for-profit organizations, including local hospitals. A grassroots group, including several individuals connected to the original Monmouth Hunt, Monmouth Park, and the Meridian Health Affiliated Foundations, led the effort last year to bring the steeplechase racing tradition back to our community through the Monmouth Park-Meridian Health Steeplechase.
Over 10,000 were in attendance at last year’s steeplechase, the first such event to be held in Monmouth County for over 15 years. As with the original Monmouth Hunt, many steeplechase race meetings take place on private farms. The second annual Monmouth Park-Meridian Health Steeplechase Festival is unique in that it is offered at a pari-mutuel facility. This year, September 25th, 2010, will see the second annual Monmouth Park-Meridian Health Steeplechase.
About Steeplechase Racing...
Steeplechase racing includes all the thrills and speed of horse racing at flat tracks. It mixes in the precision of jumping to create a hybrid not unlike hurdle events in track and field where the premium is on speed, but the concern is focused squarely on the jumps. The races are between two and four miles in length. The fences are 52-inch hurdles called National Fences or timber jumps constructed of posts and rails at varying heights. Thoroughbred horses, almost all of them converted flat racers; compete at 33 National Steeplechase Association stops and at some of the nation's finest racetracks.
Polo anyone...
Polo, the sport of kings, has a rich history here in our county too. With numerous polo clubs and fields spreading over what is modern-day Oceanport and Long Branch, the sport saw its heyday in the mid to late nineteenth century. While not as well represented here today as it was in times past, both the Colts Neck Polo Club and the Polo Club of Colts Neck can be counted on for some exciting matches at Bucks Mill Park in Colts Neck from May through October.
About the Monmouth County Hunt...
The Monmouth County Hunt (MCH) founded in 1885, has been hunting continuously in Monmouth County New Jersey for the past 125 years. It is one of the oldest hunts extent in America today. Founded in the late 19th century, at a time when foxhunting was a gentleman's pursuit, the sport has evolved over time while preserving many of the traditions.
Foxhunting as a sport in the United States has a history dating back to the Revolutionary War. George Washington, our first President, was an avid foxhunter, frequently following his pack of hounds in Virginia's countryside.
Modern foxhunting is enjoyed by people of all ages and from all walks of life who have discovered the enjoyment of the sport. No two days of foxhunting are ever the same. Today there are over 170 different packs of hounds hunted on a regular basis throughout the United States. The Monmouth County Hunt has one of the oldest packs in existence.
The Monmouth County Hunt meets two days each week during the season which runs from September 1st through March 30th. From early mornings in September, with the sun rising over the dewy fields, to cold blustery winter afternoons, through the first green of the spring grass, the hounds, horses and people enjoy all that the sport has to offer. The sport and the camaraderie of the group provide a good time for all involved.
The spirit of the hunt, embodied by it's participants and supporters, truly epitomizes the Land Rover and Range Rover ethos of 'extraordinary in action'.
The historic Monmouth County Hunt (MCH) offers an incredibly unique opportunity to view and participate in the pageantry and festivities surrounding a historic fox hunt in the westernmost section of Monmouth County. This event incorporates history and traditions, as well as pageantry, seldom seen today.
Nowadays, with extensive human encroachment and open land at a premium, the traditional fox hunt's days are numbered. So, this is a most rare and unique opportunity for all involved. Without being dramatic, we dare say that for all who choose to attend the Monmouth County Hunt it might very well be the chance of a lifetime.
The hunt today is truly bloodless. As many members of the MCH are quick to point out, the object is no longer so much to catch the fox. Oftentimes the fox sits perched on a hillock watching the hunt unfold until, due to the ever nearing proximity of the dogs, it scoots off. Nontheless, it is a live hunt.
Opening day of the season is unique at the Monmouth County Hunt (MCH) where the all-important Annual Blessing of the Hounds, along with the historic Ceremonial Stirrup Cup 'Toast to the Hunt', begin the day's activities on the club grounds before their 200-year old historic club house, built during the Presidency of Thomas Jefferson.
Today the fox hunt is all about the pageantry of equestrian cross country riding, the managing of riders and hounds through the use of the old horns and distinctive signals. The object is truly a day in the field where horse, rider and dogs work together as a team moving towards a goal, a goal which, admittedly, the participants no longer strive to achieve, nor do actually achieve.
To the best of anyone's recollection no foxes have been taken by the Monmouth County Hunt in nearly 40 years.
Concluding...
Monmouth County, Land Rover Monmouth's own backyard and your backyard, abounds with a rich equestrian heritage. The trotters and pacers at historic Freehold Raceway, the AA-rated hunter and jumper three-day eventing competions sponsored by the 116 year old Monmouth County Horse Show Association and the many small independent barns and stables which house some truly world-class horses, all add to our rich local equestrian heritage---isn't it time you explored this incredible resource right in your own backyard?
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