It’s been a difficult year for the Far Hills Race Meeting, following cancellation of its 2020 edition due to the pandemic.
But the races are returning to center stage in a big way this autumn at Moorland Farm on Route 202, as the steeplechase fixture marks the postponed celebration of its 100th anniversary.
“People are really excited we’re coming back; they’re very tired of Covid and the last 16 months,” said Guy Torsilieri, who chairs the races with Ron Kennedy.
Even before official word that the high-profile sporting and social event was a go, the race meeting got “a ton of phone calls” from people eager to resume a tradition that many families have enjoyed for generations.
Crowds love the excitement of the Far Hills Race Meeting. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
Those who have hillside spots need to renew their location by Aug. 1, and if they are dropping out, there’s “a huge waiting list” of those who would like to have a tailgating space, said Guy, who expects a sell-out of that site.
Tailgating on the hillside is a fun way to gather with families and friends. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
Meanwhile, there has been great interest from corporate sponsors.
“So far, I’m batting a thousand. Every tent holder I talked to was thrilled to be back in full force,” said Guy.
“I think it’s going to be busier than 2019. There’s so much excitement to get out and do stuff with family and friends,” said Guy. He mentioned 25,000-30,000 people came to the last running, but he’d like to see 40,000 attend this year.
“We will comply with all CDC guidelines,” said Guy, noting that if people prefer to wear a mask, they are free to do so, but there are no requirements in that regard.
The 2021 edition wasn’t a sure thing until approximately two months ago, when state-imposed limits on crowd numbers at gatherings were lifted. The 500-person cap for the fall of 2020 made it impossible to hold the races last year.
For 2021, “We were on totally on hold until we knew we could go,” said Guy.
That has meant playing a bit of catchup. No decision has been made yet, for instance, on whether to continue the pari-mutuel betting option that debuted in 2018, and specific plans to mark the centennial are still being developed, aside from renaming the Chairman’s Tent at the finish line the Centennial Tent..
The announcer’s tower is a Moorland landmark. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
The cancellation left the organization cutting back while missing a year’s income, Guy said. Moorland’s staff of “three and a half” employees dropped by two. The maintenance issue got solved by “a labor of love,” volunteer mowing efforts from Guy, Ron, Essex Horse Trials Co-Chairman Ralph Jones and “super-star volunteer” Zac Rubin (the son of Essex Horse Trials volunteer organizer Sally Rubin).
Guy Torsilieri of the Far Hills Race Meeting and Ralph Jones, co-chair of the Essex Horse Trials. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
Even though “the farm looks a little shaggy,” Guy chuckled, they got the necessary work done to have Moorland shaped up for the Essex Horse Trials July 17-18 and the races Oct. 16.
Another difficult aspect of the cancellation meant the event could not contribute to its charities.
“This partnership is of the utmost importance after the year we’ve had, and we’re elated to welcome our Far Hills family back to the property,” Ron said.
The race meeting has given more than $18 million to its beneficiaries and this year will contribute to a variety of local healthcare-oriented charities. They include Robert Wood Johnson (RWJ) Barnabas Health, Crossroads4Hope, the Arc of Somerset County, Community in Crisis, LifeCamp and Bonnie Brae.
Covid brought change to so many things, and in its wake, the race meeting has been streamlining its operations while looking at outsourcing some functions in order to be more efficient.
“Just because you’re 100 years old, doesn’t mean you’re doing everything right,” said Guy, noting this is an opportunity to make needed operational changes.
This year, tickets will not be available at area retail outlets and banks. Instead, all ticket purchases must be made on line at www.farhillsrace.org.