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Going back to 30 years prior to the Civil War, Freehold Raceway has been home to harness horse racing. The track in its modern era has rarely sat idle, though afire in the grandstand and dining area in 1984 halted racing for about 2 months.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought another shutdown - but the hiatus ended FridaywhenFreehold Raceway reopened its doors to the public for the first time in over five months. Even with a 25% capacity restriction due to state regulations, bettors and horse racing fans took in the races and sun.

Jim Bosso of Edison makes note in his program so he can place his bets as horses warm up on track for first race of the day. August 28, 2020 Opening Day of Freehold Raceway which, like many other places, closed when the Covid-19 pandemic hit. (Photo: Peter Ackerman)

Weve gotten a lot of phone calls and positive feedback, said Freehold Raceway general manager Howard Bruno. Were hoping that the people who were supporting us prior to the pandemic will come back and go back to the races.

The track willalso be counting on support from sports bettors for the first time.

Bruno said development plans are moving forward for a new sports book - it will be called Parx Sportsbook - with the opening tentatively set for the start of the NFL season in two weeks.

The state's other two racetracks have had sports books since 2018, when sports betting was legalized in the Garden State.

Freehold Raceway is owned byPennwood Racing, an affiliate ofPenn National Gaming. Penn National has been aggressive in the gaming market, operating43 casino, racetracks and related facilities in the U.S.and Canada, many of them under the Hollywood Casino brand. The company also controls a 36 percent stake inBarstool Sports.

Greenwood Racing - the parent company to Parx Casino outside Philadelphia - also has a stake in Pennwood .

I think its going to create more foot traffic in the building, Bruno said of the new sports book. It seems like the numbers at other race tracks and casinos have been very positive.

First race of day. August 28, 2020 Opening Day of Freehold Raceway which, like many other places, closed when the Covid-19 pandemic hit. (Photo: Peter Ackerman)

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Despite the loss in revenue from the hiatus, the track has made it to the other side, though Bruno said "it was a challenge."

Week to week, we were following news stories, Gov. Murphys press releases and numbers," he said. "We were waiting to see the numbers and protocols and hoping they were going to go in a positive direction.

There were no temperature checks for people entering the track, but everyone was required to wear masks while indoors. For every indoor seat, the next two were blocked off to encourage social distancing. Every other betting machine was usable.

Outside by the track, about 100 people gathered to watchSwelllookinbeach winthe first race,with groups being encouraged to sit far apart.

Horse racing fans sit on the benches waiting for the first race of the day. August 28, 2020 Opening Day of Freehold Raceway which, like many other places, closed when the Covid-19 pandemic hit. (Photo: Peter Ackerman)

It was another step towards a sense of normalcy at the Jersey Shore.

Were going to catch some sun, play some ponies and most of all, Ive got my friends here, were going to laugh, said Dave DeLuca of Whitehouse Station. Its all good.

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The outing was also an opportunity for patrons to support a business they love so dearly.

These tracks need the revenue, said Dave Nolter of Holland, Pennsylvania. It trickles down to the track and the horsemen. Theyre sitting around and need to race their horses. If they dont theyre not going to make any money.

Danny LoGiudice has covered local sports across New Jersey since 2014. Contact him at dlogiudice@gannettnj.com or@danny_logiudice on Twitter.

Read more:

Freehold Raceway reopens with new sports book on the way - Asbury Park Press