Led by the Grade 1, $1 million NYRA Bets Haskell Stakes, Monmouth Park is set to offer $7.8 million in stakes races when the track kicks off its 80th season on Saturday, May 10.
This year's race meet, which runs through Sept. 14, will feature 51 total stakes, including nine graded events, and 11 stakes restricted to New Jersey-bred horses.
In addition to the Haskell, the premier card will host the $600,000 United Nations (G2T); $500,000 Molly Pitcher (G3); $400,000 Monmouth Cup (G3); $300,000 WinStar Matchmaker (G3T); and $100,000 Wolf Hill.
In preparation for the July 19th Haskell program, Monmouth Park will offer a "Haskell Preview Day" with four stakes events on Saturday, June 14—the Grade 3 Salvator Mile, Grade 3 Eatontown, and the listed Pegasus and Monmouth, each carrying a purse of $150,000.
The 23rd annual New Jersey Thoroughbred Festival, with three stakes events, will be renewed on Aug. 24, with the $125,000 Charles Hesse III Handicap headlining that card.
