Monmouth Park recorded attendance milestones for the NYRA Bets Haskell Stakes and Mother’s Day events during its recently concluded 49-day meet, highlighting the track’s 80th season.
The July 19 running of the $1-million, Grade 1 NYRA Bets Haskell drew 41,876 spectators — the largest crowd since 2015 — and generated a record $21,999,962 in total handle for a non-Breeders’ Cup event. This marked the third consecutive year of handle records for Haskell Day.
Mother’s Day also saw unprecedented attendance with 14,687 visitors on May 11, establishing a new record for the holiday.
These standout days contributed to a modest attendance increase, with daily averages rising to 6,650 compared to 6,510 in 2024.
“We’re grateful to our fans who continue to make Monmouth Park a summer destination,” said Dennis Drazin, Chairman and CEO of Darby Development, the operator of the racetrack. “Our goal is and always will be to make Monmouth Park a premier racing and entertainment venue. With that in mind, tomorrow the work begins anew as we look to 2026 and beyond.”
The season saw jockey Paco Lopez — currently leading the nation in wins — secure his 12th riding title overall and record seventh consecutive championship.
Prancing Horse Farm, owned by Joe and Gayle Ioia, claimed the leading owner title, while Jorge Delgado topped the trainer standings. Christian Maragh finished as the leading apprentice jockey.
Average total handle for the meet reached $3,641,403, with average on-track handle at $341,340.
The 2025 results follow four consecutive years of increases in both total and on-track handle at the New Jersey venue.
With one day cancelled due to weather conditions, Monmouth Park conducted 454 races this season, down from 488 in 2024.
Thoroughbred racing resumes Friday with the opening of the nine-day all-turf Monmouth-at-Meadowlands meet, which continues through October 17. First post time for the six-race cards is scheduled for 7 p.m.
