Monmouth Park launched it’s 64th season of Thoroughbred racing with more improvements, values for customers, and increased purses for races in hope of luring more visitors to “the Resort of Racing.”

Monmouth Park, Oceanport NJ

“In these uncertain economic times, with people curtailing travel plans, a nearby destination like Monmouth Park is a valuable asset for the state,” said Dennis Robinson, president and chief executive officer of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority.

As part of the on-going improvements to the physical plant, the Lady’s Secret Café’ in the clubhouse has been completely renovated for the season. The Grandstand Café, which had a complete facelift in 2008, will offer a variety of food choices. The picnic area has been enlarged, with an additional section added for group functions. There are more than 100 tables seating eight available every day on a first-come, first-served basis. The picnic area includes a large, well-equipped playground area.

Sundays are Family Fun Days at Monmouth with free pony rides, clowns, face painters and inflatable bounce houses as well as the miniature horse Cocoa Puff, Monmouth Park’s famous mascot.

100 plus new television sets have been added in the clubhouse and grandstand to support both live racing and simulcasting.

With daily purses increased this year to 315,000 racing is expected to be highly competitive throughout the 94 day meeting. Highlights of the racing season are the $1 million Haskell Invitational on August 2 and the $750,000 United Nations Stakes on July 4.

Kelly Breen

Kelly Breen, trainer and Monmouth Park regular, had an exciting spring racing Atomic Rain and West Side Bernie in the Kentucky Derby. It was Breen’s first Derby experience and he said “it was unbelievable.” Both horses are eligible for the million dollar Haskell Invitational.

Monmouth Park has teamed up with Ticketmaster to make it easier for fans to purchase seats this season. Fans will be able to order reserved seats and reserved box seating online at Ticketmaster.com. Admission can also be added to any ticket.

Monmouth Park is now on Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube. The Facebook page can be found at Community Corner under Visitor’s Center on the track website www.monmouthpark.com.

The season runs now through September 27 with first post at 12:50 p.m. For information call 732-222-5100.