NJ police anticipate that they will make several arrests at the annual Far Hills Race, scheduled to take place this Saturday at the 230-acre Moorland Farm in Far Hills, New Jersey.
This year, the 95th annual Far Hills Race, also known as “The Hunt,” will feature races involving some of the world’s greatest thoroughbred horses. Up to 70 horses will be racing this year.
The race is for a good cause, raising lots of money for the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in Somerville, NJ.
More than 31,000 people showed up to watch The Hunt in 2014. Many of those in attendance traveled via the NJ Transit system. Guy Torsilieri, the chairman of the Far Hills Race Meeting Association, commented on the use of NJ transit for the event, noting 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.”
Before 2014, the Far Hills Race had a negative reputation for attracting individuals who imbibed too much alcohol and subsequently became disorderly. This led to numerous complaints about criminal behavior and underage drinking at the race venue.
Local officials took steps to prevent the criminal activity: they increased the presence of police officers at Moorland Farm, used metal detectors to inspect attendees as they passed through the gates, and barred people from bringing their own alcohol to the event.
At last year’s races, 100 New Jersey state troopers and guards supplied by a private security firm assisted county and municipal police officers with security.
The New Jersey Transit also took the step of prohibiting passengers from possessing alcohol on trains traveling to Far Hills, New Jersey on the day of the races. Additionally, police officers monitored “party buses” that were parked at the venue’s parking field.
Despite these measures aimed at reducing criminal activity and disruptions, police still arrested numerous individuals last year. In 2014, 44 people were arrested for various offenses, including disorderly conduct, public nuisance, public urination, underage possession of alcohol, simple possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, trespassing, and destruction of property.
Event planners said that several hundred police officers will be working this year’s Far Hills Races on Saturday. Since more than 30,000 spectators are expected to attend, it is highly likely that police will make several 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.