New Logo for a New Season at Monmouth Park

The Oceanport racetrack will kick off its 68th season on May 11.

As Monmouth Park gears up for its 68th racing season, it has introduced a new logo to commemorate its first calendar year under new management. The silhouette of the horse charging across the Oceanport racetrack's new logo is modeled after 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra and her winning run in that year’s Haskell Invitational. “It’s an exciting logo that marries Monmouth Park of the 19th century with that of the 21st,” said Bill Knauf, vice president of business operations. “While continuing to use the traditional green that has long been associated with Monmouth Park, the new logo adds an ocean blue creating the Monmouth Park summer atmosphere.” Monmouth Park opens for its 2013 season on May 11 and will feature 61 days of racing …

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Paynter Wins $1 Million Haskell Invitational

Trainer Bob Baffert wins sixth victory in Monmouth Park's signature event.

Sunday's victory at the Haskell Invitational for the thoroughbred Paynter not only brought redemption after a loss last month at the Belmont Stakes but also gave the horse's trainer his sixth victory at the Oceanport track's signature event. A crowd of 35,253 watched Zayat Stables’ Paynter put on a brilliant show in the $1 million event on July 29, drawing off for an easy score to give trainer Bob Baffert an unprecedented sixth victory and third straight Monmouth Park's summer classic. Baffert, who won a record fifth Haskell last year with Coil after Lookin At Lucky’s 2010 win, became the first trainer in Monmouth history to train three straight winners. He had won the race with Point Given in 2001, War Emblem in 2002, and Roman Ruler in …

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2012 Haskell Invitational Lineup is Set for Race Day

Belmont Stakes runner-up Paynter is picked as the favorite in Sunday's race at Monmouth Park in Oceanport.

Monmouth Park officials set the stage for the 2012 Haskell Invitational with a draw held in the Grandstand on Thursday afternoon to determine placement of the six thoroughbreds racing on Sunday. A bugler heralded the official draw, which was attended by members of the press and local officials such as Oceanport Mayor Michael Mahon and Eatontown Mayor Gerald Tarantolo. Monmouth Park announcer Larry Collmus served as the emcee for the event and conducted live remote interviews with all six horse trainers following the draw. Five-time Haskell-winning trainer Bob Baffert said that the secret weapon to his winning streak — he's won the last two years — was grabbing a Max's hot dog before the race. "It usually works," he said to laughter, "but …

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Oceanport Police Warn of Traffic Closures Due to Haskell on Sunday

Heaviest congestion expected following the last race at 6:17 p.m. July 29.

Oceanport officials are warning residents of upcoming traffic closures around Monmouth Park on Sunday to accommodate traffic entering and exiting the borough for the 2012 Haskell Invitational, traditionally the track's busiest day of the year. Accordng to a traffic advisory released by the Oceanport Police Department, Oceanport Avenue, between Port Au Peck Avenue and the Main Gate of Monmouth Park, will be closed to all vehicle traffic to provide safe accommodation for the large pedestrian flow in and out of the racetrack. The following additional traffic management measures could be implemented if situations warrant the measures, according to NJ Department of Transportation: The heaviest congestion is expected following the completion of …

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Amy Byrnes

4:06 pm on Thursday, July 26, 2012

Steve: Good call! Waiting to hear back from NJDOT.   more ›

Monmouth Park

Coil and Baffert Spoil 'Fire' and 'Ice' Party at Haskell

Bob Baffert defends title with Florida colt that sprung from last to first in final stretch

Trainer Bob Baffert's colt Coil sprung from the back to the front of the pack in the final stretch of Sunday's $1 Million Resorts Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park past Preakness winner Shackleford and Belmont champ Ruler On Ice.  A crowd of 38,895 looked on, many of them cheering for local horses Ruler On Ice and Pants On Fire, the pair trained by Farmingdale's Kelly John Breen and owned by Rumson's George and Lori Hall. A 'Fire' and 'Ice' party took place in the clubhouse, complete with pink and orange colored buttons that read "Fire & Ice" or "POF" for Pants On Fire and "ROI" for Ruler On Ice. Coil's Jockey Martin Garcia got him to break to the outside coming around the race's final turn to beat Preakness winner Shackleford by a …

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Monmouth Park

Heading to the Haskell?

A guide to the summer's biggest event at Monmouth Park for the new or casual fan

The Haskell Invitational is kind of a big deal. What the Kentucky Derby is to Churchill Downs, the Haskell is to Monmouth Park. It's the biggest race of the season for "the Shore's Greatest Stretch" -- a race which has grown to attract Triple Crown horses, such as this year's Preakness Stakes winner Shackleford -- who is set to face off against local trainer Kelly Breen's Belmont Stakes winner Ruler On Ice. When, Where, and How Much $? The Haskell runs this Sunday, July 31, shortly after 5:43 p.m. (post time) at Monmouth Park in Oceanport. It will be the 12th of 14 races scheduled. Gates open at 10 a.m., with a first race post time of noon. Grandstand admission is $5, $3 for seniors (55+ years), and children under 12 get in for free. The …

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Bob English

9:47 am on Sunday, July 31, 2011

Even if you are just a casual fan or have never been to the track in your life, today would be that one day to check it out. If you can't make it, ABC will offer a live broadcast from 5-6 p.m.   more ›

Traffic Delays Expected Sunday Due to Haskell

The Oceanport Police issue traffic advisory for Haskell Day, Sunday, July 31

The Oceanport Police Department has issued a traffic advisory in effect from noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 31, when crowds of 45,000 are projected to come to the racetrack for the 44th Resorts Casino Haskell Invitational. Heavy congestion in the area of the track is expected, and residents should use Asbury Avenue for cross town traffic, says the advisory. "All not attending the event, should use alternate routes, and in the area of Monmouth Park racetrack avoid Port Au Peck Avenue, Oceanport Avenue, Eatontown Blvd, and Crescent Place." Anyone attending the Haskell can tune to 1610 am for parking information or call 222-6301 for non-emergency information.

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Peter W Bennett

8:01 pm on Sunday, July 31, 2011

What a race and got to see the jockeys and horses up close...got some great video too.   more ›

Monmouth Park

Meet Trainer Kelly Breen and Ruler On Ice

Breen grew up in Old Bridge, trains at Monmouth Park, and has two horses in the bidding for this year's $1 Million Resorts Casino Haskell Invitational

Trainer Kelly Breen won this year's Belmont Stakes with Ruler On Ice, and he's hopeful his 3-year-old can beat out Preakness winner Shackleford again for the $1 Million Resorts Casino Haskell Invitational trophy this Sunday. Breen currently resides in Farmingdale, and says in the above video (shot shortly after his big win at Belmont) that he grew up in Old Bridge, and learned to ride horses at Baymar Farms in Morganville when he was 13. Ruler On Ice is owned by George and Lori Hall, of Rumson, who chose Breen to be their private trainer in 2007.

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Peter W Bennett

8:24 pm on Thursday, July 28, 2011

Best of luck on Sunday.   more ›