NJ police plan to arrest as many people as necessary at this Saturday’s 95th annual Far Hills Race at the 230-acre Moorland Farm in Far Hills, New Jersey.

The Far Hills Race, also known as “The Hunt,” features races involving more than a few of the world’s greatest thoroughbred horses. According to race officials, between 65 and 70 horses will race at this year’s event.

In addition to providing entertainment for those in attendance, the race serves a great cause by raising a ton of money for the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in Somerville, New Jersey.

More than 31,000 people went to The Hunt in 2014. Many of those in attendance traveled to the venue via the New Jersey Transit system. Guy Torsilieri, the chairman of the Far Hills Race Meeting Association, noted 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 a bad reputation for attracting individuals who drink a bit too much alcohol and then become disruptive. This had led to numerous complaints about criminal activity and underage drinking at the races every year.

Far Hills officials took steps in 2014 to stop the criminal activity, increasing the police presence at the venue, using metal detectors at the gates, and barring admission of anyone with alcohol.

At last year’s event, 100 New Jersey state troopers, several private security guards, and a number of county and municipal police officers provided security.

Additionally, the NJ Transit banned the possession of alcohol on all trains traveling to Far Hill on the day of the races. Police officers also monitored so-called “party buses” that parked at the Moorland Farm parking field.

The measures aimed at reducing criminal activity were largely effective, but police still needed to arrest several people at last year’s event. Police arrested 44 people for various offenses, including disorderly conduct, underage possession of alcohol, public nuisance, public urination, simple possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, trespassing, and destruction of property.

Race event organizers indicated that several hundred police officers will be working at this year’s Far Hills Races. With more than 30,000 people expected to attend on Saturday, it is very likely that police officers will make more 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.