Photos by Patrick Olivero
OCEANPORT – A free, behind-the-scenes tour at Monmouth Park gives the public a look at what goes on at the racetrack long before the starting pistol sounds. Tour groups meet at the clubhouse at 8 a.m. where they have a chance to watch the horses and jockeys warm up before the day’s races. The group then gets a unique look at where jockeys prepare for races and the gear they use while out on the track. Afterward, guests board a tram that takes the tour group to the stables to see how the horses are groomed and cared for when not racing. The tram stops by the starting gate so everyone has the chance to see the process of getting a horse ready to run. Tour groups run Saturdays and Sundays at 8 a.m. through Aug. 29, except July 20 and 21.
