Freehold Concludes 2014 Racing Season

Posted 3419 days

Freehold, NJ—- Freehold Raceway concluded the 2014 racing season on Saturday, December 13th, with a 12 race card.  Presentations for the leading driver/trainer went to driver Eric Abbatiello and trainer Nick Surick.  Eric stated, “It’s been a pleasure to compete at Freehold Raceway and win the driving title the last 5 years.  A special thanks to all the trainers, owners & grooms who have given me a chance to compete with their horses.”  Abbatiello finished the year with 190 wins.
In winning the training title for the first time with 54 wins, Surick commented, “Freehold Raceway is synonymous with harness racing and Freehold is my hometown.  There is no higher honor than one being bestowed on you in your hometown.  Winning the training title at Freehold Raceway was once a dream, now it’s a reality.” 
The second race of the day was held in honor of the 14 year old gelding “Newsam,” who made his final trip to the winner’s circle in a mile of 1:57.2.  “Newsam,” owned by Robin Hess and trained by Ken Hess finished his career with 63 lifetime wins and earnings of $393,732.  He was a fan favorite at Freehold for many years.
Freehold winter/spring meet begins on Friday, January 2, 2015 with a new voice at the microphone.  Announcer Ken Warkentin will be calling the races on a daily basis. “We are excited to start our 2015 racing season with an announcer of Ken’s caliber,” noted General Manager, Howard Bruno. 
The 110-day racing schedule features racing Thursday through Saturday and also includes the addition of Monday racing the first seven weeks of the year.  The first qualifier of the meet will be held on opening day, Friday, January 2, 2015 at 9:30 AM.  Qualifiers will return to Thursdays at 9:30 AM for the remainder of the meet.  The draw schedule will be as follows: Thursdays will be drawn on Saturdays,  Fridays will be drawn on Mondays, Saturdays will be drawn on Wednesdays, Mondays will be drawn on Thursdays.