Monmouth Park closed out its milestone 80th racing season on Sunday with record-breaking achievements in attendance and wagering, capped by a stunning Haskell Day that established new benchmarks for the storied New Jersey track.
The centerpiece of Monmouth’s 2025 campaign came on July 19 when the $1-million Grade 1 NYRA Bets Haskell Stakes drew a crowd of 41,876, marking the largest attendance since Triple Crown winner American Pharoah attracted 60,893 spectators in 2015. The massive turnout generated a record total handle of $21,999,962 for a non-Breeders’ Cup event, continuing a three-year streak of handle records on Haskell Day.
Journalism claimed the Haskell Stakes victory in dramatic fashion, surging late to defeat Gosger by a half-length before the enthusiastic crowd. The wagering figures represented an 18.7% increase from 2023’s attendance of 35,286 and a 7.4% jump from 2024’s 38,976.
The positive momentum wasn’t limited to the track’s signature event. Monmouth Park established a Mother’s Day attendance record on May 11 when 14,687 fans turned out for the 10-race card, surpassing the previous record of 14,121 set in 2015. The day generated total handle of $4,144,072.
Despite challenges including one weather cancellation, the 49-day meet produced encouraging attendance figures. Daily average attendance reached 6,650, representing an increase from 6,510 in 2024. The track conducted 454 races compared to 488 the previous year due to the weather-related cancellation.
Average total handle settled at $3,641,403 with average on-track handle of $341,340. While these figures marked a departure from four consecutive years of increases in both total and on-track handle prior to 2025, track officials remained optimistic about the foundation established during the season.
Paco Lopez dominated the jockey standings once again, capturing his 12th riding title overall and record seventh consecutive championship at Monmouth Park. Lopez, who currently leads the nation in wins, secured the title despite his absence on closing day as he competed at Delaware Park.
In the trainer ranks, Jorge Delgado emerged as leading trainer, while Prancing Horse Farm (Joe and Gayle Ioia) topped the owner standings. Christian Maragh claimed leading apprentice honors.
Looking Ahead to Extended Season
Racing continues immediately with the nine-day all-turf Monmouth-at-Meadowlands meet beginning Friday, September 19, and running through October 17. The six-race cards will feature a 7 p.m. first post time, extending New Jersey’s thoroughbred racing calendar deeper into the fall.
Image Credits
In-Article Image Credits
The first turn of the 2007 Breeder's Cup Classic powered by Dodge, at Monmouth Park New Jersey via Wikimedia Commons with usage type - GNU FreeFeatured Image Credit
Monmouth Park race track via Wikimedia Commons by Constantino14 with usage type - Creative Commons License
