Race Day is Saturday, October 17

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The Far Hills Race Meeting traces its origins to the Essex Hunt, a fox hunting event founded in Montclair, NJ in 1870.

In the tradition of these clubs, the Essex Fox Hounds established an event to thank the farmers and landowners who allowed them to hunt on their property.

In 1916, the event moved from the original club site to the Grant B. Schley estate — today known as Moorland Farms. Eventually becoming the Far Hills Race Meeting, the races have been continually run—with the exception of a short hiatus during World War II—on the same site.

Today, more than 40,000 spectators converge each fall on the rolling hills of Moorland Farms in Far Hills, New Jersey for the state’s biggest social event of the fall season - The Far Hills Race Meeting. October 23, 2010 will mark the 89th running of this timeless tradition, featuring the finest steeplechasers in the world competing against a backdrop of autumn splendor.

This world-class event mixes society with sport, bringing families, race enthusiasts, organizations and corporations together for a day of racing, high fashion, food, networking and celebration. Total race day purses will equal $660,000, with six races offering the highest purses on the National Steeplechase Association circuit.

Over 40 major corporations reserve entertainment tent spaces each year, with many more taking reserved parking tailgate spaces. Family and friends create unique and often extravagant fall picnic areas, complete with beautiful floral center pieces, haybale seating, ice carvings and culinary feasts. For many visitors, the Race Meeting is a time-honored tradition and reunion of family and friends. The Far Hills Race Meeting is held rain or shine.

Since the 1950’s, this unique annual event has raised over $17 million for Somerset Medical Center. This year, the race proceeds benefit the Steeplechase Cancer Center at Somerset Medical Center. The Race Meeting has profoundly impacted the medical center’s growth and ability to offer comprehensive, state-of-the-art medical services to New Jersey residents.