The 105th Far Hills Race Meeting takes place today — Saturday, October 17, 2026 — at Moorland Farm in Far Hills, Somerset County. For over a century, the third Saturday of October has meant one thing for thousands of New Jersey families: The Hunt. Here's everything you need to know about what is genuinely one of the most distinctive events in the state.

What the Far Hills Race Meeting Is

The Far Hills Race Meeting is the premier steeplechase horse racing event in the United States — not just in New Jersey. Sanctioned by the National Steeplechase Association and attracting horses, trainers, and owners from across the country and internationally, the race card at Moorland Farm features some of the highest purses in the sport. The 2026 card features seven races with total purses of $825,000, anchored by the $300,000 American Grand National — one of the most prestigious races in American steeplechase.

Approximately 30,000 people are expected to attend the 105th running. That number has been consistent for years — the Far Hills Race Meeting is both a world-class athletic event and one of New Jersey's most significant annual social occasions, with families who have held the same tailgate spaces for 60 years returning alongside first-time attendees.

The Races: What to Watch For

Seven races make up the 2026 card, each covering approximately 2.5 miles with 10 to 14 hurdles under three feet. About 65 to 70 thoroughbred horses will compete through the day. The American Grand National is the signature race and the day's climax — it carries $300,000 in prize money and draws the best steeplechase horses competing in America. Last year's American Grand National was won by Zanahiyr (IRE), an Irish import trained by Gordon Elliott, who made history by sweeping all five hurdle races on the day's card at the 104th running. The 2026 card also features the McDynamo Maiden Sweepstakes, which includes a unique $1,000 sweepstakes ante for each entered horse provided by the Moran family.

The Social Tradition

Calling Far Hills purely a horse racing event undersells what it actually is. The tailgating at Moorland Farm — which begins hours before the first race — is a full cultural tradition unto itself. Spaces in the Infield are priced at $600 and many have been held by the same families for generations. The Hunt Club experience (this year at $200 per person) offers an all-inclusive setting with tailgate food, an open bar, music, activations from official partners, a Mobile Cigar Lounge, and headwear pop-ups. New for 2026: The Knoll, a premium tailgating option at $600 offering double the square footage (20 x 20 feet) of a standard Infield space.

The fashion tradition at Far Hills — elaborate hats, fall plaids, field-appropriate footwear — is part of the event's identity and worth leaning into. The event has added official merchandise this year through a Hunt x Barstool Sports Collection featuring hats, hoodies, and T-shirts, available at three trackside locations and at shop.farhillsrace.org.

The Charitable Mission

What makes Far Hills particularly distinctive is that it operates as a charitable fundraiser, not primarily as a commercial racing event. Over its 105-year history, the Far Hills Race Meeting has donated more than $22 million to support healthcare organizations in the region — including Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health and the Cancer Support Community of Central New Jersey. Every ticket purchased contributes to this mission, which gives the day a specific civic weight that pure entertainment events lack.

Logistics: What to Know Before You Go

Moorland Farm is in Far Hills, Somerset County — accessible by car from Route 202 and Route 512. Parking on the grounds is the standard access method; allow extra time for traffic as the event draws significant regional attendance. NJ Transit does not run service directly to Far Hills for the race meeting, so most attendees drive. The event is outdoors and weather-dependent — October weather in New Jersey can range from warm to cold; layering and flat-heel footwear appropriate for grass terrain are both practical recommendations.

Pari-mutuel wagering has been available at Far Hills since 2018, bringing formal betting to one of America's oldest steeplechase traditions. Wagering guidance is available at the event from America's Best Racing, which is on-site with a dedicated presence.

For tickets, information, and the full race card: farhillsrace.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Far Hills Race Meeting 2026? Saturday, October 17, 2026 at Moorland Farm in Far Hills, Somerset County, New Jersey — the third Saturday of October, as it has been every year since 1921.

How much are tickets to Far Hills? Ticket options vary by space type. The Hunt Club all-inclusive experience is $200. Standard Infield spaces and The Knoll premium spaces are $600. Check farhillsrace.org for the full current ticket options and availability.

Can you bet on horses at Far Hills? Yes — pari-mutuel wagering has been available at the Far Hills Race Meeting since 2018. America's Best Racing provides wagering guidance on-site.

How much has Far Hills raised for charity? The Far Hills Race Meeting has donated more than $22 million to support healthcare organizations in the region over its 105-year history, with beneficiaries including Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health and the Cancer Support Community of Central New Jersey.