Monmouth Park
Horse Racing

here's no need to be a skilled handicapper to enjoy a day at the races at Monmouth Park Jockey Club in Oceanport. With an ample picnic area and a variety of restaurants and special promotions, you'll have a great time even if you don't know a Daily Double from an Exacta.

Opening Day:
Saturday, May 14, 2005

Closing Day:
Sunday, September 25, 2005

As you'll see during your visit, many of the serious handicappers never actually see a live horse; instead watching all the action on those same simulcasting televisions and wide screens. While not a big gambler, your About NJ & The Shore Guide, admits to spending all of his time in the clubhouse and rarely seeing a live horse either.

Dining at the park includes everything from a quick hot dog in the grandstand area to a sit-down meal in the Salvator Bar and Grill (reservations required on weekends); or bring your own charcoal grill (no propane) and turn your day into a full-fledged "backyard" picnic. Though the dining selections on the track premises are certainly sufficient, there are three restaurants of note in the surrounding area as indicated on the map and referenced below:

Getting to Monmouth Park couldn't be simpler - just take exit 105 off the Garden State Parkway and head straight ahead on Route 36 to the track entrance a few miles down on the left. Also available during the live meet are water and rail access via the Seahorse or Pony Express from SeaStreak and NJ Transit respectively.

On the map:

A. Casa Comida - An excellent Mexican-American restaurant on Branchport Avenue in Long Branch, directly behind Monmouth Park (732) 229-7774.

B. Sitting Duck - Offers an interesting, varied menu on Myrtle Avenue in Long Branch, across Route 36 from Monmouth Park (732) 229-5566.

C. Monmouth Mall - Shopping of course, and a number of dining choices as well.

D. Tokyo - Great Teriyaki steak and a complete sushi bar on Route 35 in Eatontown, a few miles from the track. (732) 389-1673

MP. Monmouth Park - see the official Web site for ongoing updates, upcoming special promotions, jockey and owner standings and racing results.

Note: If you missed the current season, the Big M at the Meadowlands holds thoroughbred meets that are scheduled so they don't overlap the Monmouth Park meet and offers harness racing as well.

Best of luck to you in your horse choices when you go. The day, or even an entire vacation, may be free if you pick the right pony!