Freehold Raceway, the oldest horse racing track in the country, will close in December after 170 years. It will mean the end of an era in New Jersey.

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

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.

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

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.