Every autumn, thousands of spectators gather in Somerset County for one of the most anticipated and historic events in the Garden State: the Far Hills Race Meeting. What began more than a century ago as a gathering tied to the Essex Hunt tradition has evolved into one of the premier steeplechase horse racing events in the country — and a beloved New Jersey family tradition passed down through generations.
Today, the Far Hills Race Meeting is more than a horse race. It is a celebration of community heritage, family customs, sporting excellence, and timeless tradition that continues to unite New Jersey communities year after year.
The Origins of the Far Hills Race Meeting
The roots of the Far Hills Race Meeting trace back to the Essex Hunt, a fox-hunting tradition established in Montclair, New Jersey, in 1870. In 1913, organizers formally incorporated as the Essex Fox Hounds and created what was originally known as the “Farmers’ Day Race Meeting” to thank local farmers and landowners who allowed hunts across their property.
The event eventually moved to Moorland Farm in Far Hills in 1915, where it remains today. Over the decades, the race meeting grew from a local sporting event into a nationally recognized steeplechase horse racing tradition. What never changed, however, was the sense of community behind it.
The event has attracted loyal fans for more than 100 years who return annually to reconnect with friends and family, support charitable causes, and create lifelong memories.
That spirit is what transformed the Far Hills Race from a regional horse race into a true New Jersey icon.
A Historic New Jersey Tradition
In a world where traditions often fade over time, the Far Hills Race Meeting has remained remarkably enduring. The race meeting has survived changing eras, world wars, and evolving entertainment trends while continuing to attract tens of thousands of visitors every fall.
Part of its staying power comes from the unique experience it offers. The event blends the excitement of steeplechase racing that NJ fans love with the warmth of a community gathering. Families tailgate together, children experience horse racing traditions for the first time, and longtime attendees reconnect with generations of friends.
For many New Jersey residents, attending the Far Hills Race Meeting is not simply an annual outing — it is a cherished ritual that marks the arrival of autumn.
The scenic countryside of Far Hills provides the perfect backdrop for one of the state’s most recognizable fall events in New Jersey. From elegant tailgates to family picnics and world-class racing, the event offers something for every generation.
More Than Horse Racing
While the races themselves remain central to the experience, the Far Hills Race Meeting has become equally known for its impact on the surrounding community.
To date, the event has donated more than $22 million to healthcare and nonprofit organizations throughout New Jersey — making the Far Hills Race Meeting not only one of the country’s premier steeplechase events, but also one of the region’s most meaningful charitable traditions.
Today, proceeds from the race support five organizations that directly improve the lives of individuals and families across New Jersey:
- Community in Crisis (CIC) for Prevention & Recovery provides support and recovery programming for individuals and families impacted by substance use disorder throughout Somerset County.
- Crossroads4Hope offers emotional support, education, and wellness resources for cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and families facing the challenges of cancer treatment.
- Bonnie Brae supports youth through residential treatment, education, and family resource programs focused on health, wellness, and long-term success.
- LifeCamp serves underprivileged children in greater Newark through summer camp experiences, including recreation and wellness initiatives that promote healthy lifestyles.
- The Far Hills Race Meeting Association Oncology Patient Assistance Fund at RWJ provides direct financial assistance to cancer patients and their families for essential daily expenses not covered by insurance, including transportation, food, wigs, and other necessities during treatment. In 2025 alone, the Far Hills Race Meeting committed $1.25 million to this vital fund, where 100% of every dollar goes directly to helping patients and families in need.
This charitable mission has helped strengthen the connection between the race meeting and the local community. Families attending the races are not only participating in a historic sporting tradition — they are also helping fund life-changing programs and services that impact thousands of people across New Jersey every year.
In many ways, that deeper purpose is part of what makes the Far Hills Race Meeting so unique. Beyond the excitement of race day, the event continues to embody the values of community traditions, generosity, and shared impact that have defined it for more than a century.
For additional perspective on the area’s deep equestrian roots and New Jersey’s horse racing culture, readers can explore this feature from Nancy Jaffer Equestrian, which highlights the longstanding heritage surrounding the sport in the region.
Why Traditions Matter
Family traditions create lasting memories. They give people a sense of belonging, connection, and continuity across generations.
For many attendees, the Far Hills Race Meeting represents exactly that.
Parents who attended as children now bring their own kids. Friends reunite annually in the same tailgate spots. Stories from past races become family lore shared year after year. Families return to the same reserved parking spaces year after year, turning race day into a cherished tradition that becomes deeply embedded in their lives and memories over time.
The traditions surrounding Far Hills often become just as meaningful as the races themselves.
In many ways, this is why the Far Hills Race Meeting has become one of the most beloved family events in New Jersey. It is not only about horse racing — it is about preserving experiences that families can return to again and again with the people who matter most.
At the same time, the event has evolved to offer a modern race-day experience that appeals to both longtime attendees and first-time visitors. Guests can explore a vibrant Vendor Village featuring more than 20 vendors, discover local favorites among an array of food trucks, and enjoy a full day of entertainment beyond the races themselves.
As noted in this article from Jersey’s Best, the event has long been celebrated not only for elite competition but also for its atmosphere, community impact, and ability to bring generations of families together.
For those looking for an elevated experience, the Far Hills Race Meeting also offers all-inclusive hospitality spaces like the Chairman’s Tent and the Hunt Club, where guests can enjoy premium dining, social gatherings, and some of the best views of race day. For many attendees, these hospitality experiences become traditions in their own right — annual gatherings where friends, colleagues, and families reconnect each fall.
Whether someone attends for the thrill of steeplechase competition, the social atmosphere, the beautiful fall scenery, or simply the opportunity to spend time with loved ones, the event offers something increasingly valuable in today’s fast-paced world: meaningful shared experiences.
Creating New Family Traditions at Far Hills
For first-time visitors, the Far Hills Race Meeting offers the opportunity to become part of a living New Jersey tradition more than 100 years in the making.
From exciting races and family-friendly activities to unforgettable tailgating experiences, race day creates the kind of memories that last long after the final horse crosses the finish line. Children experience the excitement of steeplechase racing for the first time, friends gather under autumn skies, and families continue traditions that may one day be passed down to future generations.
What makes the Far Hills Race Meeting especially unique is its ability to blend history with a modern event atmosphere. Guests can spend the day exploring vendors, enjoying local food trucks, tailgating with friends, or experiencing premium hospitality spaces — all while participating in one of the country’s most historic horse racing traditions.
As one of the premier historic New Jersey events, the Far Hills Race Meeting continues to bring together people from all backgrounds who share a love for community, heritage, and celebration.
In many families, traditions begin with a single visit.
This year, whether you are a longtime racegoer or planning your very first trip to Moorland Farm, the Far Hills Race Meeting invites you to experience a day where history, community, and family traditions come together in unforgettable fashion.
Because some traditions are worth passing down.
And the Far Hills Race Meeting is one of them.
