The Essex Hunt and the Far Hills Race Meeting Timeline

This is a continuation of the history of our earlier story

History of the Far Hills Race Meeting

For the better part of a decade, the Mr. Local History Project has been digging and investigating the history of one of the greatest events in the Somerset Hills. For over 100 years, the Far Hills Race Meeting and the Hunt have been hunting and racing back to the late 1800’s. Every year in October the small town of Far Hills becomes the third largest city in New Jersey. If you attend the event, it’s fun to study the history as well.

Summary of the history of the Far Hills Race Meeting that started as the Essex Hunt

• 1872 – Essex County Country Club creates new club Essex County Hunt Club for its members.
• 1890 – Essex County Country Club sells Essex County Hunt Club and the Essex County Hounds to Charles Pfizer Jr.
• 1892 – Essex Hunt Club and the Essex County Hounds relocate to Somerset County
• Essex Hunt Club reorganizes under the banner Essex Fox Hounds and leases the Essex Hunt Club in Peapack.
• The Essex Hunt Club sells the rights of the Far Hills Race Meeting to FHRMA (Far Hills Race Meeting Association – today’s organizers)
• 2020 – Organizers tell us the Far Hills Race will be a 100 in 2020. In actuality, it’s the 100th running because our records indicate the first race on the books is not the Farmers Day Race, but the 1916 race.

From The Essex Hunt to America’s Largest Steeplechase

• 1872 – With kennels in the Orange Mountains of St. Cloud (West Orange today), the Essex County Hunt and the Essex Hunt Club is founded in Montclair, New Jersey as a part of the Essex County Country Club, (off Mt. Pleasant Avenue in West Orange.) Noted on website as New Jersey’s first country club. (Essex County). Edward P. Thebaud as Master of the Hunt. Mr. Thebaud later resigns to Morristown and dies in 1884.
• 1879 – Master F.M. Wheeler of Montclair becomes the Master of the Hunt. (F.M. Wheeler is the founder of what is now know as Foster Wheeler)
• 1880 – Kennels are built in West Orange. Mr. H. U. Munn elected Master of the Essex County Hunt for 1880-1881. Map shows that these men all owned substantial land in the Llewellyn Park Section of Essex County. (LPHS)

• 1882 – C.A. Hecksher elected Master of the Essex County Hunt 1882-1883
• 1884 – .P. Thebaud elected Essex County Hunt Master from 1884-1888. Note: NYTimes documents Pellam Steeplechase
• 1887 – The Essex County Country Club reorganizes by introducing polo and moving kennels to Hutton Park (Now West Orange) Clubhouse in the Oranges of Essex County. Edward Thebaud was Master (1887) and the organization was sometimes noted as the Essex County Hounds.

• 1888 – J.H. Stewart elected Master from 1888-1890. Mr Thebaud is quoted in NY Times article as Master of the Hunt in a great recollections NY Times piece (October 11, 1888.
• 1888 – George B.Oct 22, 1889- George B. Post founds the Somerset Beagles (Hounds Club similar to the Tewksbury Bassets)
• October 2, 1880 – Essex County Hounds hold their first Fall Meet on the hills of North Belleville, NJ. Master of the Hounds John Stuart sent them off at 4:00pm. Those who followed the dogs were John Farr, Jack Wilmerding, Charles A. Mumm, Douglas Robinson Jr, E.P. Thebaud, John Dallas, George O’Reilly, Charles Phizer? C.A. Hecksher, and Harry S. Page.
  (NY Times October 3, 1889).

• 1890 – Charles Pfizer Jr. purchases the Essex Hunt Club, it’s hounds, equipment, and the hunting territory.
• 1891 – Charles Pfizer Jr. becomes the Master of the Essex Hunt Club (until 1913).
• 1891 – The Morristown Field Club opens for the wealthy followed by the Morris County Golf Club in 1894. NY Times reports Charles Pfizer Jr issuing Essex Country Hounds schedule, including Llewellyn Park, West Orange, Maplewood, Fanwood, Springfield, and Irvington

• 1891 – Working for Mr. Pfizer was Tommy Madden, who began as Pfizer’s coachman, and takes charge of the stables of harness horses and polo ponies. He was a stableman, stud groom, trainer, and veterinarian. He later takes over the Kennels in Gladstone, where Pfizer later builds living quarters for Tommy and his family.

Essex Hunt Club History begins in the Somerset Hills of Somerset County

• 1891 – 1892 – Charles Pfizer relocates the Hounds Pack to Walton Cottage, aka the Walton House, a resort hotel (later called the Alpton property) located on Kahdena Road near Morristown, and houses the dog kennels near Maplewood officially splitting off from the Essex County Country Club. At the Sussex Avenue end of Kahdena Road was a 61 acre farm called “The Alpton” purchased by Robert R. Reily for $22,500 in 1899. Earlier owners were Lewis W. Walton and E. C. Row. Mrs. Louise Riley ran a large boarding house at “Alpton” until it was destroyed by fire in 1913. There were golf links and tennis courts there as well. Records also indicate a Sheriffs sale of 58 acres of the Walton House from Louisa B. Walton in the Oct 16, 1896 (The Jerseyman )
• October 8, 1892 – The Morristown Society watches as The Essex County Hunt “gathered about the Green to witness the start, making its way toward Boonton, and a beautiful sight it was as the men in their bright colors followed the hounds across the field. Numerous carriages followed as near as they could. On “Colombian Day, Wednesday, the Hunt met at Hillcrest Farm, the beautiful place of Mr. J. W. Odgen on Loantaka Terrace in Morristown.
• 1892 – In 1892 Charles Pfizer relocates the kennels and stables adjacent to Yademos (across Mendham Road), to the former estate of Robert Seney (The Maples) on the Bernardsville mountain known as Walescott Kennels. (Verify) The properties that were part of this area totaled over 1,000 acres. In 1898, Robert Seney sold 50 acres and what became known as The Maples to Francis Loyd.

• 1892 – Pfizer relocates the Hounds Pack to his friend George Ingraham Seney’s (1826-1893) property, while Pfizer Jr. begins looking for appropriate permanent accommodations. The Seney estate, known later as The Maples (named Maples by owner Francis Loyd in 1898). then noted as the Bernardsville section of Bernards Twp. The Maples, which is later owned by Francis Loyd (Brooks Brothers President) is demolished in 2004. Francis Loyd is an experienced breeder of Scottish Terriers that were kept on the 50 acre property called Walescott Kennels.

• 1892 – Pfizer Jr. purchases a 150 acre farm in Gladstone from Cornelius Wyckoff Schomp, converting the farm barns into large stables and kennels. There is a “Upper Kennel” on Pottersville Road (Currently known as the present location of The Willow School) and the “Lower Kennel” on Old Chester Road (between what is known as (Brook Hollow Drive North to Pfizer Drive) in Gladstone. In addition to the kennel and stables, Pfizer redesigns the farm barns as stables and kennels and the farm house had rooms for “Charley Pfizer’s” guests and a big two story room with containing a large oak room with a vaulted ceiling, gallery, and an enormous stone fireplace for his famous ‘hunt dinners’ every Saturday Night.*(p.25) . The following Wednesday (October 14, 1892), Mr. and Mrs. Ogden entertained about one hundred and fifty guests at the Hunt Breakfast, and the run was more attractive to the onlookers than usual, as the hounds were started without a long drive. Charles Pfizer Jr. was in attendance. (The Jerseyman- Friday, October 14, 1892).

Working for Mr. Pfizer was Tommy Madden, who began as Pfizer’s coachman, and later was in charge of the stables along with his huntsman Willie Howard.

• 1893 – Willie Howard comes to Gladstone with Charles Pfizer Jr. and serves as huntsman for the Essex Hunt. His favorite horse was “Ninette”, and actually named his first daughter after this filly. After “Ninette” dies (the horse), he buries the fillie at the Bedminster Inn (Hotel).

• In 1898, upon his retirement with Charles Pfizer, Willie and his wife, Bertha, purchased the Bedminster Hotel, upon retiring as worker for Charles Pfizer, which later becomes the Howard Hotel, the forerunner to Willies Tavern. Howard also owned the Peapack Hotel. Willie Howard had another hobby – “cock fighting “. He had many coops set up in secluded spots in back of the Pfizer kennels. “Each Sunday morning he started out with an old mattress over his head and went the rounds, stopping at each coop to toss the birds about…to strengthen their feet and wings.”(Recollections of the Essex Hunt) (Photo circa 1905 THSSH). Willie was a huntsman and had a favorite horse “Ninette”. Being trown from Ninette so many times, Willie was nicknamed the “India Rubber Man.” He named his youngest daughter after Ninette, and even burried Ninette (the horse) behind the Bedminster Inn (aka Willies Tavern).

• 1896 – Essex Hounds Meet – October 1896
• October 10- Morristown Green
• Wednesday, October 14th, Basking Ridge
• Saturday, October 17th, Washington Valley
• Wednesday, October 21st, New Vernon
• Saturday, October 24th, Bernardsville
• Wednesday, October 28th, Lyons
• Saturday, October 31st, Far Hills
• Geroge P. Messervy, temporary Acting Master)
  *Recollections of the Essex Hunt – Frederick W. Jones

• 1896 – Pfizer purchases George Seney’s estate (actually it was in the hands of his son Robert Seney and his Somerset Land Company) at the corner of Mendham and Pfizer Road in Bernardsville, a stone house built for Robert Seney, son of George Seney in 1881. Architects were Lamb and Rich of New York. Yademos (someday spelled backwards) built by George Seney, is directly across the street from The Maples, which is on the corner of Mendham Road near Lloyd Road in Bernardsville.

• 1899 – Pfizer Jr. organizes the first Polo Club in Bernardsville. The Polo Club was situated next to what is today’s Bernardsville Middle School (141 Seney Drive, Bernardsville)
• 1900 – Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Incorporates and Charles Pfizer Jr. becomes the company’s first President.
• 1902 – Upper Kennel Property (Approximately 150 acres) is purchased by Charles Pfizer Jr. The property is where The Willow School sits today, just off Pottersville Road in Gladstone.
• 1903 – The Whippany River Club of Morristown is incorporated is formed by 20 millionaires on Wall Street. The Club certainly influences the eventual development of the Essex Hunt Club in later years. The Whippany River Club burns to the ground in 1913 and is disbanded.

• 1905 – President of Pfizer and Company since 1900, Charles Pfizer’s title was strictly honorary. In 1905, the Board of Directors, consisting of Charles Pfizer Sr, his brother Emile, William Erhart, and John Anderson (CEO) demand and received Charles Jr’s resignation. The resolution said he was to “cease and desist from in any way participating in the business of Charles Pfizer & Company.”Pfizer Website Notes: – “Emile Pfizer was made president at a special board meeting held at the end of 1905, when his elder brother Charles Pfizer, Jr., noted huntsman and cross-country steeplechase rider with no real interest in the business, was asked to resign as president and director.”
• 1907 -1908 – Women are permitted to participate in hunts. However, they were not allowed to be members and not permitted to attend the annual Farmer’s Day Outing.
• 1909 – Charley Pfizer could no longer afford to support the Essex Hunt Club thus turning over interest in the club to interested members. (1913 Essex Fox Hounds are Incorporated)
• 1910 – Charles Pfizer and Nana E. (wife) purchase the John S. Miller farm, a 128 acre farm and Miller house, just off Holland Road near Vliettown, in Peapack, New Jersey. The farm had once been owned by John Honeyman, the grandson of John Honeyman, a noted spy for General Washington during the Revolutionary War. FYI, Honeyman also had another farm on Long Lane in Bedminster.

• 1912 – Noted a fire destroys the Lower Kennel clubhouse and it is not rebuilt. The large old stone barn was converted to an apartment, and the former stable is converted into a single family home.
• 1912 – Charles Pfizer Jr. hands over rights of the Essex Hounds to a new committee (see below) due to severe financial troubles from WW1, since his family’s company (Pfizer) and his family were originally based in Germany. He relinquishes ownership of the Essex Hounds.

June 6, 1912 – Peapack and Gladstone set off from Bedminster Township and incorporates as an independent twin borough.

• 1912 – Barny Schley’s Beagles mentioned as a “drag” for mounted followers in Far Hills. (A History of the Pack of Harriers, Beagles, and Bassets in New Jersey) Known to some as “beagling”.
• January 8, 1913 – Certificate of Incorporation officially changes name to the Essex Fox Hounds, officially separates from the Essex Hunt. Barney Schley and Bill Larned become Joint Masters. A. Fillmore Hyde becomes Master later in the year 1913 and serves for fifteen years.

The Essex Hunt Club Incorporates

February 10, 1913 – At the offices of Moore & Schley in NYC the Essex Fox Hounds committee meets, where Freddie Bull (owned Greenacres Estate in Bedminster-Turpin) is unanimously elected President. The new Hunt Club is separated from the Essex Hunt Club and the Essex Fox Hounds is created. They sign a three year lease for Pfizer Jr’s 128 acre “John S. Miller farm” at Peapack and the old Miller house is remodeled as the new clubhouse. While this picture shows an actual hunt in 1916, the building in the background is “The Club House”. Each trustee pays $100 to join the Board. Trustees were: Percy R. Pyne, Clarence B. Mitchell, Kenneth Schley, George Messervy, Ogden Hammond, R. H. Williams, Jr., Arthur Turnbull, William Larned, Seymour Cromwell, Arthur Whitney, Fred W. Jones, Ben. Nicoll, W. S. Richardson, Arthur Fowler, and Charles Pfizer. (Arthur Fowler is the first Secretary, and Seymour Cromwell is appointed Chair)

Essex Hunt Club archives

• 1913 – Upper Kennel Property that was owned by Charles Pfizer Jr, is sold to James Cox Brady and becomes part of his Hamilton Farm. (Approximately 150 acres) which later gets sold off to become the Willow School.

1914-1920 – First World War

• 1914 – A kennel fire burns the Lower kennel at the Old Chester Road farm of Charles Pfizer. (Fred Jones book).

1914 – Farmers Day Race

October 24, 1914 – The Farmers Day Race is held for the first time, Saturday, 2pm, October 23, 1914, under the sanction of The Hunts Committee of The National Steeplechase and Hunt Association. Sponsored by the Essex Fox Hounds at “The Club House”, Peapack, NJ .

The course was set from the crest of a hill, on Dr. Henry Lance’s farm, thru Frederick Bull’s farm, Mrs. George Messervy, and the land leased by the Essex Fox Hounds. After a glorious dinner served outside the Clubhouse at approximately noon, over 200 farmers and guests climbed the hillside to view the event. The main race was the Whippany Challenge Cup, transferred from the Whippany River Club, in Morristown to the custody of the Essex Fox Hounds until some owner wins it three consecutive times. Prize money was set at $150 and registration was limited to bona-fide hunters owned by members of the Essex Fox Hounds or Essex Hunt. The course was over approximately 3 1/2 miles and contained 30 fences. Five horses started the event. The race was won by Shelton E. Martin’s Miss Meadows over Nina by a short neck, depriving Charles Pfizer outright ownership of the cup (he had two wins previous on record).

• 1915 – R.V.N Gambrill moves his Vernon Somerset Beagles to where the Essex Fox Hounds were being kenneled in Peapack, New Jersey.

The New Jersey Hunt Cup – October 23, 1915

• October 23, 1915 – First New Jersey Hunt Cup is held as part of the Farmers Day Race at what is known as the Far Hills Fairgrounds (the site of the annual VNA Rummage Sale) . “Second Annual Farmers’ Day Race Meeting” is held October 23, 1915 – three years after the first – and featured the very first running of the New Jersey Hunt Cup. Between 500 to 600 guests attended the event, which began with an elaborate luncheon, served under large tents. Sanctioned by the National Steeplechase and Hunt Association, it’s mission, as described in the official program: “to provide a course to test the qualities of a hunter, the steeplechases will be laid over a fair hunting country (Post and Rail).”

The race was set for horses who are the property of and ridden by members of recognized hunt clubs, or members of the U.S. Army. The race was easily won by Arthur Fowler (jockey was Mr. George Gilder) on Oxygen. In addition to this trophy, the President of the Essex Fox Hounds, (Freddie Bull) presented a challenge cup which becomes the property of the owner winning the cup three times. The course was over 4 miles of fair hunting country. Of the six entries, four went on to the post. Oxygen led for virtually the entire distance and eventually won by over thirty lengths. (NY Times -Oct. 24, 1915)

• May 1916 – The John Miller Farm land on Peapack Road is sold from William Larned’s Security Land Company (Bill Larned was Joint Master with Barney Schley back in 1912) to the Essex Fox Hounds Realty Company (member owned corporation) for $20,000 which becomes the last eventual Essex Hunt Club (and current site). The site was previously leased in a three year deal from Charley Pfizer.

• 1916 – The New Jersey Hunt Cup moves to Grant Schley’s Froh-Heim Estate in what was then part of Bernards Township (today it is Far Hills/Bedminster). The New Jersey Hunt Cup race still remains on the Far Hills Race Meeting race card today. However, the first race was always the Farmer’s Race.

The event came to be known as the Essex Fox Hounds Race Meeting – a two-day event patterned after the English agricultural shows of the time. (McGraw email). Photo – Turpin Book

• 1917-1918 – Essex Fox Hounds Race Meeting is cancelled due to World War 1. True, there is no winner posted as winner of the New Jersey Hunt Cup.
• 1917 – Grant Schley dies, and son Evander B. (known as Van / 1883-1952) takes ownership of Froh Heim, tears it down, and builds a new Spanish styled Froh Heim (still on the farm today).

1918 – Federal progressive income tax and the inheritance tax enacted. This was one of the biggest blows to the Landed Gentry of The Somerset Hills.

• Feb. 11, 1920 – Charles Pfizer Jr. sponsors the first Farmer’s Day outing at 1:00pm in Pottersville at the Pottersville Hotel (built by Whisky Hank (Henry) Fleming – later renamed the Sutton Hotel), as a stag affair (men only). Music was provided by the Black Diamond Quartet and over 300 farmers were present. (Frederick Jones – Recollections of the Essex Hunt) Feb. 11 was a Friday. Photo Courtesy Somerset County Historical Society. November 1921 – The Essex Fox Hounds Race Meeting, which previously had been held in Bedminster, moved to Froh-Heim. More than 2,000 people came to see the fourth running of the New Jersey Hunt Cup Race – it rained. (Quoted- Far Hills website). It is actually the fifth running.

1921 – Far Hills secedes from Bernards Township and becomes it’s own boro.

1924 – Bernardsville splits from Bernards Township and becomes it’s own town.

• 1928 – Charles Pfizer dies and his properties pass to his brother Emile, who builds a house on the Northern end of the Lower Kennel by the Polo Grounds. For many years this is noted as Dr. Bernard Sugarmann’s home.

1929 – Great Depression Strikes hard on the Somerset Hills

• November 30,1933 – First Running of The Charles Pfizer Jr. Cup Race was held on Thanksgiving Day.

• May 1936 – The Essex Fox Hounds Club is one of only four establishments permitted to sell Apple Jack to it’s patrons. The other three were the Gladstone Hotel, the Peapack Hotel, and H. Lous Debus.

1941-1945 – World War II

• 1942-1945 – Essex Fox Hounds Race Meeting is cancelled due to World War II. True, there is no winner posted as winner of the New Jersey Hunt Cup.
• 1946 – The Essex Fox Hounds Race Meeting resumes after World War II.
• 1946 – walk-ins had free entrance while subscribers paid $10 per car, which is equivalent to $132 today. In 2019, general admission tickets start at $100 in advance, $200 on race day and reserved parking tailgate spaces start at $475.
• 1953 – New Jersey Hunt Cup is not run. Why? (We’re not sure)
• 1954 – William Bassett purchases Froh-Heim two years after Evander Schley’s death, who renames the estate Moorland Farm, after a property that his mother had purchased in nearby Pottersville (Bedminster). That property had originally belonged to the Moore family which is now part of the grounds of the Purnell School.

• 1954 – Somerset Medical Center of Somerville, NJ becomes the primary benefactor of the Far Hills Race Meeting. Previously, the event proceeds were used to fund the Essex Fox Hounds. It was said that if the social aristocrats wanted to engage in public libations and equine activities, they at least should benefit a worthy cause. The offer was first extended to Morristown Memorial, who rejected the offer. The second request was made with the Somerset Medical Center in Somerville, who gratefully took the organizers up on the offer (J. von Stade discussion / 2006)
• 1964 – John von Stade comes race committee member. Also the NJ Hunt Cup is declared VOID.
• 1977 – AT&T Long Lines purchases what is now the Clarence Dillon Library and Moorland Farms, home of the Far Hills Race Meeting steeplechase and Midland Run.

1985 – The Essex Fox Hounds Race Meeting name changes and becomes the Far Hills Race Meeting. (McGraw)

• 1987 – The U.S. Grand National Steeplechase becomes a race within the Far Hills Race Meeting. The most significant race in this country, the U.S. Grand National dates to 1899 at Morris Park, and was held for many years at Belmont Park. Now serving as the Breeder’s Cup Grand National, its presence at Far Hills says a lot about how the sport, and the venue, have grown. Purses at Far Hills reached over half a million dollars, and the Races were covered nationally on ESPN2.
• 1998 – AT&T announces it will sell the 175 acre Moorland Farms to the non-profit Far Hills Race Meeting Association (FHRMA). In addition to 75 additional acres in Bedminster, contractual restrictions were placed on the land that it must be preserved as permanent open space. If the FHRMA ever sells the property, it is restricted to no more than 15 units on lots of at least 10 acres.
• 2000 – The Breeders Cup Steeplechase returns to the Far Hills Race Meeting after a hiatus. The event later changes it’s name to the Breeders Cup Grand National Steeplechase. (Verify in FHRM 2006 booklet). October 25, 2000 | Led by Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus, a record 135 horses pre-enter for the 17th running of the Breeders’ Cup. In addition, a record 18 horses supplement to the event, boosting the total of purses and awards for the eight races to more than $15 million.
• October 22, 2005 – McDynamo dominated the $200,000 Grade I Breeders’ Cup Steeplechase, winning North America’s richest steeplechase for the third consecutive year, the first horse to do so in the 14 running’s of the race. In the process, the 8-year-old son of Dynaformer halted a five-race losing streak and leaped into the race for the 2005 Eclipse Award as champion steeplechaser. McDynamo completed the 2 5/8ths-mile course that had been softened by intermittent rain in a slow 5:46 3/5, almost 53 seconds off the track record of 4:53 4/5 established by All Gong (GB) in 2000 over a firm course.

• 2005 – Funds raised from the 2005 races benefited The Steeplechase Cancer Center at Somerset Medical Center. The Far Hills Race Meeting Association has donated more than $16 million to the medical center through Somerset Medical Center Foundation over the past 51 years, making it one of the most successful fundraiser’s in the state. In recognition of the association’s long-standing support, the medical center named its new cancer center in the association’s honor. The Steeplechase Cancer Center, opened in November, houses the latest technologies to treat cancer, the medical center’s research team, the sanofi-aventis Breast Care Center, oncologist’s offices and an oncology pharmacy.
• 2005 – John von Stade, the longest-tenured president in the history of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, completes 16 years of service and resigns. The museum’s eighth president, von Stade, 67, will succeed Martha Gerry as chairman of the museum’s Board of Trustees. PH (908) 953-8375-John has has also been chairman of Somerset Medical Center Foundation, and Chairman of the Far Hills Race Meeting Association.

• September 29, 2006 – Somerset Medical Center Steeplechase Race for Cancer Awareness is held 1 month prior to the Far Hills Race. $75,000. Winner – McDynamo. Place – Show.
• 2006 – Simms Jewelers is the official engraver of all of the trophies of the Far Hills Race Meeting.
• October 28, 2006 – 86th Running of the Far Hills Race Meeting (makes it beginning in 1920?). Total Purse $600,000. 6 races in total. $75,000 Appleton, $75,000 New Jersey Hunt Cup, The Grade II Foxbrook Supreme Hurdle ($100,000), and $250,000 Breeders’ Cup Grand National. The Breeders’ Cup is the richest steeplechase event in the country. More info… click here.
• 2006 – The New Jersey Hunt Cup is actually called the Arthur Fowler Trophy, who was actually the first winner of the New Jersey Hunt Cup back in 1915. Arthur was also the first Secretary of The Essex Fox Hounds, which became incorporated in 1913.
• October 20, 2007 -87th Running of the Far Hills Race Meeting. If this were a chronological event, going back 87 years, this would put it at 1920 as the first. But the first was in 1915 (NJ Hunt Cup’s first) so there must have been 6 years where the event didn’t take place. Answer must be that the first event is recorded as 1915 (the first NJ Hunt Cup). 93 years have passed, and with this year being the 87th Running, then there were six times that the event was not held. 1917, 1918 (WW1), 1942,1943,1944,1945 (WW2)
• 2014 – One year after security was beefed up and new alcohol restrictions were put in place to curtail underage drinking and rowdy behavior at the annual Far Hills Race, race organizers have increased the price of general admission tickets to help defray the added cost. This year, general admission tickets to the 94th annual Far Hills Race steeplechase horse race on Saturday, Oct. 18 at Moorland Farm increased from $60 in 2013 to $100 this year. Parking will remain $30.
• 2018 – “The wagering experience is yet another way for our fans to enjoy and be intimately involved in our races, which, every year, draw top horses from the United States and overseas,” Far Hills Race Meeting Chairman Guy J. Torsilieri said in a statement. Tickets, which are now $200 at the gate and $100 in advance.

New Jersey Hunt Cup Winners

The New Jersey Hunt Cup, unlike the Breeder’s Cup race, is “the premiere” horse race in America . Starting in 1915, it is the oldest horse racing event in American steeplechase racing.

• HORSE WGT RIDER OWNER TRAINER PURSE
• 2019 – FEARSOME (GB) 151 Nagle, D Irvin S. Naylor Cyril Murphy 30,000
• 2018 – TWO’S COMPANY (IRE) (L) 155 McDermott, S Bruton Street-US Jack Fisher 30,000
• 2017 – WHERE’S THE BEEF (L) 160 Mark Beecher Welcome Here Farm Ivan Dowling 30,000
• 2016 – LE CHEVALIER (L) 165 Mark Beecher Otter Racing Julie Gomena 30,000
• 2015 – EBANOUR (IRE) 165 Gustav Dahl Irvin S. Naylor Cyril Murphy 30,000
• 2014 – HOT RIZE (L) 165 Willie McCarthy Holston Hall Russell Haynes 30,000
• 1991-2015 (researching)
• 1990 Monkton Stables’ “Pacific Parley,” 155 lbs. (Joseph Gillet)
• 1989 Sheila Williams'”Call Louis”, *165 (Jack Fisher)
• 1988 Sheppard Worrall Stable’s “Von Csadek,” 163 lbs.(Patrick Worralil)
• 1987 Foxbrook Farm’s “Freeman’s Hill,” 160 lbs. (William Meister)
• 1986 Mrs. J. Maxwell Moran’s “Tom Miller (IRE),” 163 lbs. (Anne Moran)
• 1985 Tee Pee Stables “Exploding Fortune.” 168 lbs. (Jeff Teter)
• 1984 Mrs. Miles Valentine’s “Cancottage (GB),” 165 lbs. (Joy Carrier)
• 1983 Jeremy Gilliam’s “Redgate,” 164 lbs. (Jeremy Gilliam)
• 1982 W. Wallace Lanahan, Jr.’s “Sam Son of a Gun,” 168 lbs. (C.C. Fenwick)
• 1981 W. Wallace Lanahan, Jr.’s “Sam Son of a Gun,”176 lbs. (Charles Fenwick, Jr.)
• 1980 Mrs. Miles Valentine’s “Cancottage (GB),” 165lbs. (Joy Slater)
• 1979 Mrs. Miles Valentine’s “Cancottage (GB),” 165lbs. (Joy Slater)
• 1978 Charles S. Bird, Jr.’s “Christmas,” 161 lbs (R.P.S. Hannum)
• 1977 Helen Polinger’s “All There Is,” 156 lbs. (RossPearce)
• 1976 Foxbrook Farm, “Devil’s Brolly,” 157 lbs. (Reese Howard, Jr.)
• 1975 Mrs. Rosalie Culver’s “Dosdik,” 165 lbs. (Charles Fenwick, Jr.)
• 1974 H. Turney McKnight’s “Still In All,” 173 lbs. (A. Riker)
• 1973 Rokeby’s Stable’s “Chapel Street,” 170 tbs (L.Neilson)
• 1972 Mrs. H. Nelson Slater, “Devil’s Brolly,” ** 152lbs. (Mr. R. Howard, Jr.)
• 1971 Charles C. Fenwick, Sr.’s “Happy Orphan,” **162lbs. (Mr. C.Fenwick)
• 1970 Mrs. Nelson Slater Jr.’s “Stutter Start,” 160 lbs. (Mr. K. Freeman)
• 1969 George T. Weymouth’s “Island Stream,” 168 lbs. (Mr. J.R.S. Fisher)
• 1968 Redmond Stewart, Jr.’s “Haffaday,” 171 lbs. (Mr. L. Nielson, 111)
• 1967 Mrs. Nelson Slater Jr.’s “Stutter Start,” 159 lbs. (Mr. C. Meister, Jr.)
• 1966 David L. Ferguson’s “Leeds Don,” 168 lbs. (T. Walsh)
• 1965 Russell B. Jones, Jr.’s “Boating Party,” ** 146 lbs. (Mr. R. Jones, Jr.)
• 1964 Race declared void
• 1963 Woodcrest’s “Red Lion Mike,” 157 lbs. (Mr. B.Tagg)
• 1962 T.B. Glynn’s “Allan Adale,” 153 lbs. (R. Woolfe) 1961 Bliss Flaccus’ “Trout Line,” 163 lbs. (R. Houghton)
• 1960 Mrs. Wilfrid Wood’s “Latin Lancer,” 146 lbs. (Mr. L. Neilson, 3rd)
• 1959 Miss Audrey Riker’s “Golden Fly,” 155 lbs. (Mr.B.H. Murray)
• 1958 Alfred H. Smith’s “Grand Chat,” 168 lbs. (J. Aitcheson, Jr.)
• 1957 Mrs. Henry Obre’s “Coupe de Vite,” 164 lbs. (K.Field)
• 1956 Mrs. C.P. Denckla’s “Ned’s Flying,” 149 lbs.(Mr. P. Fanning)
• 1955 Charles Cann’s “Galant Ship,’ 161 lbs. (Mr. Charles Cann)
• 1954 Mrs. Wm. J. Strawbridge’s “Lands Corner,” 161lbs. (Mr. B. Murray)
• Not run 1953.
• 1952 G.T. Weymouth’s “Done Sleeping,” 168 lbs. (Mr.E. Weymouth)
• 1951 Bliss Flacus’ “McGinty Moore,” 168 tbs (M. Ferral)
• 1950 Mrs. John Strawbridge, Jr.’s “Jester’s Moon,”161 tbs (Mr. W. Dixon)
• 1949 Mrs. Simon T. Patterson’s “The Cardinal 2nd,”157 lbs. (Mr. E.Weymouth)
• 1948 Lee L. Chandler III’s “Royal Mission,” 159 lbs.(Mr. G. Stephens)
• 1947 Mrs. C.S. Richard’s “Tino Wave,” 158 lbs. (Mr. J. Arthur)
• 1946 John Strawbridge’s “Bungtown,” 165 lbs. (Mr.F.H. Powers, Jr.)
• Not run 1942 through 1945 (WWII)
• 1941 Mrs. Frank M. Gould’s “Hold Forth,” 165 lbs.(Mr. N. Cleland)
• 1940 C.E. Tutle’s “Blockade,” 157 lbs. (Mr. J.F. ColwiI4
• 1939 Allison Stern’s “Lucier,” 165 lbs. (Mr. R.G.Woolfe)
• 1938 John Strawbridge’s “Coq Bruyere,” 165 lbs. (Mr.G. Strawbridge)
• 1937 John Strawbridge’s “Coq Bruyere,” 165 lbs. (Mr.R.P. Hamilton)
• 1936 Mrs. Frank M. Gould’s “Ostend,” 165 lbs. (Mr.R.G. Duffey)
• 1935 Northwood Stable’s “Indigo,” 165 lbs. (Mr. C.R.White)
• 1934 Mrs. T.H. Somerville’s “Trouble Maker,” 165 lbs.(Mr. N. Laing)
• 1933 Carieton H. Palmer’s “Round du Roi,” 165 lbs. (Mr. E.H.B. Allen)
• 1932 Howard Bruce’s “Hubar,” 165 lbs. (Mr. R.G. Woolfe) 1931 W. Congreve Jackson’s “Sennarcherib,” 165 lbs. (Mr. F.C. Thomas)
• 1930 Howard Bruce’s “Hubar,” 165 lbs. (Mr. G. Blakiston)
• 1929 Mill Creek stable’s “Sea Soldier,” 165 lbs. (Mr. Rigan McKinney)
• 1928 Mrs. M.K. Stevenson’s “Alligator,” 165 lbs. (Mr.F.C. Thomas)
• 1927 Howard Bruce’s “Billy Barton,” 165 lbs. (Mr.A.G. Ober, Jr.) 1926 F. Ambrose Clark’s “Moccasin,” 165 lbs. (Mr. A.C. Bostwick)
• 1925 A. Filmore Hyde’s “Bulgar,” 165 lbs. (Mr. W.F.Sabater)
• 1924 Mrs. A.C. Burrage’s “Stilts,” 165 lbs. (Mr. A.C. Burrage, Jr )
• 1923 Mrs. M.M. Maddux’s “Oracle It,” 165 lbs. (Mr. R. Belmont)
• 1922 R.B. Strassburger’s “Wolferton ll,” 162 lbs. (Mr. E.M. Cheston)
• 1921 R.B. Strassburger’s “Wolferton [1,” 165 lbs. (Mr. C.N. Kline)
• 1920 R.B. Strassburger’s “Wolferton If,” 165 lbs. (Mr. WT. Fleming)
• 1919 Welsh Strawbridge’s “River Breeze,” 165 lbs. (Mr. W. Strawbridge)
• No Run 1917-1918 (WW1)
• 1916 Nicholas L. Tilney’s “Wayside”
• 1915 Arthur A. Fowler’s “Oxygen,” 165 lbs. (Mr. G. Gilder)

*Recollections of the Essex Hunt – Frederick W. Jones

Winners – Grand National (Breeders Cup) Steeplechase at Moorland Farm

The 2 5/8-mile may not be the oldest race, NJ Hunt Cup is the oldest race of the circuit, but it certainly pays the most!

• 2022 – Hewick and jockey Jordan Gainford flawlessly circled the Far Hills course to cover the 2 5/8-mile distance in 5:11.60 over yielding turf. Trainer: John Hanlon. Run over a trip of 2 5/8m over 14 fixed hurdles, the American Grand National is a Grade 1 event for 4+ year-olds. Hewick (IRE) was the favorite.
• 2021 – THE MEAN QUEEN (5) (IRE) -Jockey Richard J. Condon – trained by Keri Brion. Bred in Ireland by Kevin Purfield. The Irish-bred five-year-old became the first female winner of the Grand National in nearly a century,
• 2020 – Cancelled due to COVID-19
• 2019 – BRAIN POWER (IRE) (L) 156 de Boinville, N Michael Buckley Nicholas Henderson 270,000
• 2018 – Jury Duty (7) Robbie Power Gordon Elliott (IRE) Sideways Syndicate 5:14.20
• 2017 – Mr. Hot Stuff (11) Danny Mullins Jack O. Fisher Mrs. S. K. Johnston, Jr. 4:42.40
• 2016 – Rawnaq (9) Ruby Walsh Cyril Murphy Irvin Naylor 4:50:00
• 2015 – Dawalan (5) Ross Geraghty Cyril Murphy Irvin Naylor 4:57.20
• 2014 – Demonstrative (7) Robert Walsh Richard Valentine 5:19.00
• 2013 – Divine Fortune (10) Darren Nagle Jonathan E. Sheppard 5:15.00
• 2012 – Pierrot Lunaire (8) Bernard Dalton Blythe Miller Davies 5:40.00
• 2011 – Black Jack Blues (8) Ross Geraghty Joseph W Delozier III Irvin S Naylor 5:29.80
• 2010 – Percussionist (9) James O’Farrell Hanne Bechmann 5:00.40
• 2009 – Your Sum Man (7) Ross Geraghty Thomas H. Voss Fields Stable 5:39.78
• 2008 – Good Night Shirt (7) William Dowling Jack Fisher Harold A. Via, Jr. 4:54.20
• 2007 – McDynamo (10) Jody Petty Sanna Hendriks Michael J. Moran 5:30.60
• 2006 – McDynamo (9) Jody Petty Sanna Hendriks Michael J. Moran 5:58.20
• 2005 – McDynamo (8) Jody Petty Sanna Hendriks Michael J. Moran 5:46.65
• 2004 – McDynamo (7) Thornton 156 Hirapour (Ire) (8) 156 Sur La Tete (6) 156
• 2003 – McDynamo (6) Thornton 156 Pelagos (FR) (8) 156 Mullahen 156
• 2002 – Flat Top (9) Massey 156 Tres Touche (5) 156 All Gong (GB) (8) 156
• 2001 – Quel Senor (Fr) (6) Murphy 156 Lord Zada (8) 156 Praise The Prince (6) 156
• 2000 – All Gong (GB) (6) B. Miller 156 Popular Gigalo (6) 156 Allgrit (5) 156
• 1993 – Lonesome Glory (5) B. Miller 156 Highland Bud (8) 156 Mistico (7) 156
• 1992 – Highland Bud (7) Dunwoody 156 Mistico (6) 156 Sassello (5) 156
• 1991- Morley Street (7) Frost 156 Declare Your Wish (5) 156 Cheering News (4) 146
• 1990 -Morley Street (6) Frost 156 Summer Colony (7) 156 Moonstruck (7) 156
• 1989 – Highland Bud (4) Dunwoody 146 Polar Pleasure (7) 156 Victorian Hill (4) 146
• 1988 – Jimmy Lorenzo (6) McCourt 156 Kalankoe (7) 153 Polar Pleasure (6) 156
• 1987 – Gacko (6) Duchene 156 Inlander (6) 156 Gateshead (8) 156
• 1986 – Census (8) Teter 156 Kesslin (6) 156 Pont du Loup (6) 156

Related Stories & History

The ultimate Essex Hunt Club book – The Essex Fox Hounds: A Look through Time Gretchen W. Johnson

History of the Far Hills Race Meeting

Far Hills Race Meeting Honored with Painted Wooden Collectible

Retrospective: Jackie Kennedy Onassis’ Time in Bernardsville & Peapack in the Somerset Hills

Thanksgiving Meet – Horses, Hounds and Foxes Before Turkeys – A Countryside Tradition