My name is Holly Fischer and I am starting this petition on behalf of all of the wonderful people I have come to know at Freehold Raceway. This petition stems from my close ties to the heartwarming community at Freehold Raceway, sparked by my relationship with my boyfriend, John Urbanski, a member of a three-generation family of horsemen rooted deep in New Jersey. The picture above is his first lifetime driving win on September 14 of this year with his horse Real McCoy, with his uncle Ned Urbanski, sister Alex Urbanski, and me. We were all in tears for his first win, this is truly John's dream and I love watching him chase it. This win was just one week before we found out about the closing of the track. John went from getting his first driving win with a horse he owns and trains at a track he’s been going to his whole life, to trying to figure out whether he is going to have to move or get out of the business. In one week it was the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. If Freehold Raceway is not saved, John's family and many others will be forced to make a big move to another state or quit the business.

Over the past three years, I've been privileged enough to form bonds with many wonderful people at Freehold Raceway and create unforgettable memories. The horsemen, each of them a symbol of hard-work and camaraderie, would not hesitate to give you the shirt off their back. Time and time again I see horsemen helping each other out, whether this is at the track, such as lending a piece of equipment or giving someone a hand sending out a horse, or off the track, such as donating to a GoFundMe to help an injured driver. Over the past three years, I have met so many amazing people that will ultimately be impacted by the closure of Freehold Raceway. This includes drivers, owners, trainers, and countless horses that I have asked so many kind trainers if I could pet. Not only will the people who race be impacted, but many amazing people who work at the track, both on the paddock and grandstand side. I was there the day we got the news that Freehold Raceway was facing permanent closure. Everyone there was in shock, but they had to go about the day and get their horses on the track, knowing they only had three more months at this track they have spent many of their days at for years, for some people their whole lives. John and Alex grew up going to this track, and to see it being ripped away from them is heartbreaking.

I have also met local farmers and veterinarians who will likely be impacted by the widespread loss of horses in this area. Many people will be forced to uproot their families and lives and move to continue racing, or quit the business that they pour their heart and souls into. While some people on social media have called this a "win" for the horses, it truly is not. Hundreds of horses will likely be sold following the closing of the track, as trainers will not be able to afford to keep them. While many can be sold to the Amish now, they can only take so many, which will likely result in horses being sent to kill pens. I did not know this business before I met the Urbanskis. I had no idea how these horses were treated, but I quickly learned that the horsemen in this business feed their horses in the morning before they feed themselves. The horses are genuinely loved and treated so well. It is truly a family at this track. These people deserve to maintain their livelihoods and continue their passion for racing at Freehold Raceway.

Let's try to make a difference and get this story the publicity it needs: 

Freehold Raceway, a staple establishment in New Jersey's harness horse racing industry since the 1850s, is facing permanent closure on December 28, 2024. Its closure will not only have direct consequences on the lives of thousands of people and horses, but will also significantly impact the local agriculture industry and the state environment. This situation is not only alarming due to the historical loss it represents, but it also poses a significant threat to livelihoods and the region's economic balance. 

Many people, including trainers, drivers, grooms, owners, and track employees will be forced to either move or leave the business they love within this short three-month time period. The impact on the equine industry extends beyond job losses with hundreds of horses potentially displaced.

The loss of the Raceway would also weaken the local agricultural sector. The racing industry in New Jersey contributes over $150 million to the state agriculture sector (New Jersey Equine Advisory Board). Without the Freehold Raceway, local farms that supply feed and care for these horses will suffer.

Additionally, the closure of the Raceway threatens to shift the landscape of our community. With warehouse developers potentially buying the place, we risk losing valuable green spaces to industrial development. It also threatens the history of Freehold, destroying oldest horse racing track in the United States, which opened in 1853. Generations of families have come here to either race or enjoy the races, and this could all go away for yet another warehouse. 

The Freehold Raceway is not just a source of local employment or a contributor to our economy; it is an integral part of our community's history and identity. The economic repercussions would also negatively impact related sectors, including hay farmers, feed shops, and local veterinary services. Indeed, such closures equate to an economic downturn that the area simply cannot afford. We must work together to protect this vital institution for the sake of our community, our state, our heritage, and the welfare of countless people and horses. We urge the New Jersey State Legislature to take the necessary measures to prevent this closure. We implore you to sign this petition to save Freehold Raceway from closing and protect our community's heritage and future.