Horse racing is back for New Jersey. Or at least it seemed that way on Saturday.
Records were set for the Haskell Stakes at Monmouth Park, a fitting occurrence for the biggest day of the year for horse racing in the Garden State. And the race did not disappoint.
With a starting gate featuring Kentucky Derby winner Mage, Bob Baffert’s Arabian Knight and Belmont Stakes contender Tapit Trice, it was 57-year-old jockey Mike Smith riding Geaux Rocket Ride to victory and a guaranteed spot in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
What’s more, on-track and off-track NJ horse betting combined for over $21 million for the Haskell Stakes – a record for the 153-year-old racetrack.
