Police anticipate making several arrests at the annual Far Hills Race, which will take place at the 230-acre Moorland Farm in Far Hills New Jersey on Saturday, October 17.
This year’s event marks the 95th annual Far Hills Race, which typically features races with the most prolific thoroughbred horses in the world. At this year’s event, there will be between 65 and 70 horses involved in the races.
The Far Hills Race is also referred to as “The Hunt.” The race raises money for the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in Somerville, NJ.
More than 31,000 people were in attendance at The Hunt in 2014. Many of those attending the event used the NJ Transit system to travel to and from the race location. Guy Torsilieri, the chairman of the Far Hills Race Meeting Association, observed that the Moorland Farm is “in close proximity to such major area roads as Route 287, 206, 202, and Liberty Corner Road, as well as being easily accessible by NJ Transit.”
Prior to 2014, the Far Hills Race was known for attracting attendees who drank too much alcohol and became disorderly and disruptive. There were often many complaints about criminal behavior and underage drinking during the races.
Local officials attempted to stop the criminal activity before it happened by increasing the police presence at the event. Security also used metal detectors at the gates and drafted rules to prohibit entry of anyone with their own alcohol. County and municipal police officers were aided by 100 New Jersey state troopers, as well as guards working for a private security firm.
Additionally, the New Jersey Transit barred alcohol on all trains traveling to Far Hills, NJ. Police officers also closely monitored all “party buses” parked at the locale’s parking field.
Despite these preventative measures, police still arrested several people last year. In 2014, law enforcement arrested 44 individuals for offenses that included public urination, disorderly conduct, public nuisance, underage possession of alcohol, simple possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, trespassing, and destruction of property.
According to event organizers, several hundred police officers will be working at this year’s Far Hills Race. There are expected to be more than 30,000 spectators, making it extremely likely that police will make many arrests this year.
The Tormey Law Firm has handled numerous criminal cases from the Far Hills Races in the past. We have successfully represented clients charged with disorderly conduct, urinating in public, and possession of an open container of alcohol, as well as other criminal offenses and municipal violations. If you have been charged with a crime while attending the Far Hills Race, it is imperative that you speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney who can make sure you don’t end up with a criminal charge on your record. Call the Tormey Law Firm now to discuss your case or schedule a free consultation at one of our conveniently located offices in New Jersey.