Every year, for the past 101 years, people from all over the world have come to gather at Far Hills Race Meeting–New Jersey’s premier social and sporting event. The annual gathering attracts thousands of people who come to watch the world’s finest steeplechase races, create extravagant tailgates, enjoy many luxury and VIP experiences or simply reconnect with family and friends. For many, attending our annual event is part of a long-time family tradition that is lovingly passed on to succeeding generations of loyal racegoers.
This year, nearly 30,000 people came to the Far Hills Race Meeting. We are proud that families continue to return every year to support steeplechase racing and enjoy a memorable day of fun at Moorland Farm. Over the years, Far Hills Race Meeting has provided more than $18 million to support local healthcare organizations. This year’s beneficiaries include: Robert Wood Johnson, University Hospital Somerset, Crossroads4Hope, The Arc of Somerset County, Community in Crisis, LifeCamp, and Bonnie Brae.
From one-of-a-kind gifts in the Vendor Village to diverse and delicious lineup food trucks, the 101st Running of the Far Hills Race offered something for everyone. To our returning sponsors, Open Road Auto Group and Peapack-Gladstone Bank and our 37 corporate and private tent sponsors–thank you for helping us make the Far Hills Race Meeting such a memorable event!
On the track, jockeys competed for purses totaling $575,000 – the highest on the steeplechase circuit for 2022. We had two special races added this year named in honor of the late John Forbes, a fixture at Monmouth Park for 40 years as a trainer and past president of the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, and the late John von Stade, the longtime chair of the Far Hills Race Meeting The races were intense, and the energy was high! The crowds cheered as everyone rooted for their favorites, but no one cheered louder than Irish trainer John “Shark” Hanlon after his horse T.J. McDonald’s Hewick won the Grand National by a widening 11 ½ lengths. The Shark teared up after his horse’s big win in America’s premier steeplechase race! For those who missed it or want a recap, here are all the winners for each race.
The Winners
- 1st Race- The Harry E. Harris, Sport of Kings, Four-Year-Old Hurdle Stakes, with a purse of $50,000.
- Won by No. 2 Ljay, owned by Belle Meade Jockey Club and The International Venture, bred by Richard Cavanagh and ridden by Parker Hendriks.race.
- 2nd Race-The Gladstone, Sport of Kings, Three-Year-Old Hurdle Stakes, with a purse of $50,000.
- Won by No. 5 The Insider, owned by Kenny Haughey, Laura Haughey and Kieran Byrne, bred by Kiltown Bloodstock Ltd., and ridden by David Russell
- 3rd Race-The Foxboro Champion Hurdle, presented by the Peapack-Gladstone Bank, Sport of Kings, Novice Hurdle Stakes. It had a purse of $75,000.
- Won by No. 5, Ted Hastings, owned by Aidan J. Ryan, bred by Noel Fraher and ridden by David Russell.
- 4th Race, The Appleton, Sport of Kings, Ratings Handicap Hurdle Stakes, with a purse of $50,000.
- Won by No. 2 Redicean, owned by Sharon E. Sheppard, bred by Cheveley Park Stud, Ltd., and ridden by Sean Flanagan.
- 5th Race- The John Forbes Memorial, Turf Stakes, with a purse of $100,000.
- Won by No. 8 Agitare, owned by Molly Willis, Paul Willis, CFC Stables, Danny Kelly, Shelia Kelly and L5 Racing, bred by J. S. Bolger, and ridden by Bernard Dalton.
- 6th Race- The Grand National, Grade I, Sport of Kings Hurdle Steaks, with a purse of $250,000.
- Won by No. 5 Hewick, owned by T.J. McDonald, bred by William Quinn and ridden by Jordan Gainford.
- Final race- The Sport of Kings Maiden Hurdle Run in memory of the late John von Stade. It had a purse of $50,000.
- Won by No. 5 Cook Jet, owned by Riverdee Stable, bred by Deirdre McGrath and ridden by Graham Watters.
Until next year Far Hills Race Meeting Family!
