A Few Days of Live Racing Brings Back Memories At Atlantic City Race Course

For just a few days, it's almost like it used to be at Atlantic City Race Course in Mays Landing.  The annual Turf Festival continues this Tuesday through Thursday, May 1st -May 3rd,  with the year's only live horse racing at the storied race track.    In 1998, the one-time Atlantic City Race Track ended its regular schedule of live horse racing, citing increasing costs and diminishing attendance.  The six-day return... to live racing each year is a state-mandated regulation necessary to keep the track's simulcast license.

I have fond memories of going to my first horse races  at the old Atlantic City Race Track and trying to learn the basics of the sport with my childhood friends.

Today, these few days each year give many in South Jersey with similar memories a chance to introduce the track to their kids and to remember better days for a past time whose time seems almost past.

Post time is 3 p.m. for racing this Tuesday through Thursday and the races are free to the public.  Gates open at 11:00a.m.

Thursday, May 3rd,  Atlantic City Race Course features the the $50,000 Tony Gatto Dream Stakes in the seventh and final race.

I like to hear your memories of the old Atlantic City Race Track, or about your experience going to the A.C.R.C. more recently during the annual Turf Festival.  Please leave your comments below.