New Jersey police are prepared to make as many arrests as necessary at the annual Far Hills Race, which is set to take place this Saturday at the 230-acre Moorland Farm in Far Hills, NJ.
The 95th annual Far Hills Race, known by many simply as “The Hunt,” features races with some of the world’s highest-regarded thoroughbred horses. Somewhere between 65 and 70 horses will be racing at this year’s event.
The race serves a good cause by raising plenty of money for the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, which is located in Somerville, New Jersey.
More than 31,000 people attended The Hunt last year. Many of those who came to the races did so by using the New Jersey Transit system. Guy Torsilieri, chairman of the Far Hills Race Meeting Association, said 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 had an unfortunate reputation for attracting more than a few people who consume too much alcohol and subsequently become disruptive. This resulted in many complaints about criminal behavior and underage drinking at the event.
Local officials in Far Hills NJ took steps last year to stop the criminal activity: they increased the police presence at Moorland Farm, utilized metal detectors to inspect attendees passing through the venue gates, and prohibited anyone from bringing their own bottles of alcohol to the event.
At last year’s Far Hills Race, 100 NJ state troopers and private security guards helped county and municipal police officers with security.
Additionally, the New Jersey Transit barred all passengers from being in possession of alcohol aboard trains traveling to Far Hills, NJ on race day. Beyond that, police officers monitored “party buses” parked at the Moorland Farm parking field.
Despite these measures to drastically reduce criminal activity, police still had to arrest several individuals last year. In total, 44 people were placed under arrest for various offenses, including disorderly conduct, public nuisance, underage possession of alcohol, public urination, simple possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, trespassing, and destruction of property.
Race event planners have already said that several hundred police officers will work this year’s Far Hills Races. Since more than 30,000 spectators are anticipated to be in attendance on Saturday, it is highly likely that police officers will arrest several people 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.