Crowd at 96th Annual Far Hills Race estimated at between 35,000 and 40,000 on a sun-splashed day.
FAR HILLS -- The pageantry was spectacular. The weather was magnificent. The crowd was near record-setting. The tailgating was world-class.
And it was business as usual in the notorious infield.
Nonetheless, the 96th Annual Far Hills Race at bucolic Moorland Farm on Saturday afternoon was a day to celebrate as millennials mingled with the hilltop crowd and fun was had by all.
"It was a spectacular day of horse racing," said Guy J. Torsilieri, chairman of the Far Hills Race Meeting Association. "We had live streaming. The president and CEO of the U.S jockey club is here. A representative from the jockey club of the UK is here and an Irish Thoroughbred marketing group is here."
Rawnaq, ridden by fill-in jockey Ruby Walsh, a 10-time Irish steeplechase champion, won the $350,000 Grand National, outlasting Scorpiancer over the 2 5/8-mile course by 3/4 of a length in a photo-finish with a time of 4:50.00.
An official number of arrests weren't immediately available but intoxicated racegoers littered the infield. Medical personnel were seen tending to several drunken racegoers and many racegoers were seen stumbling from the race because they had too much to drink.
"There were definitely a lot of drunk people out here but it was calm and controlled," said Nick Jacobs, 20, of Basking Ridge, as he sipped on his favorite beverage. "There didn't appear to be as many underage drinkers as before. The police presence is definitely stronger.
"One-hundred percent. I had a great time. For me and my friends, it's like a high school reunion. Everybody has their same spaces and we all meet up."
What makes for top-notch tailgate
Approximately 200 law enforcement officers were at the race, including roughly 100 State Troopers, Far Hills Police Chief Michael DeCarolis said.
Jamie Schilling, 32, of Bedminster, attended the race for the first time in eight years after moving back to the area. She and some friends enjoyed a reserve parking space in the infield.
"It's definitely calmer than the last time I was here," she said. "I've having a great time. You can drink and still have fun. People aren't coming in with as much alcohol as they used to."
Torsilieri has made a concerted effort to cut down on rowdy behavior and excessive drinking in the infield. Alcoholic beverages, coolers and kegs are not allowed on N.J. Transit Trains coming to the event and racegoers aren't permitted to bring alcohol through the general admission gates.
Last year, 37 people were arrested in a continued crackdown on unruly behavior. In 2014, 36 people were arrested.
"They're trying to be more strict," said Dean Smith, 27, of Morristown as he stood in the infield enjoying a cold beverage. "At least they're trying. The drinking doesn't discourage me. I'm coming regardless. I like the atmosphere."
The 94th Annual Far Hills Races
The seven-race card, which attracted an international field of horses and jockeys, was highlighted by a record total purse of $700,000 -- an increase of $100,000 over last year and the richest steeplechase in the country.
Rawnaq, a nine-year-old gelding who is undefeated in three races this year, was ridden by jockey Ruby Walsh, a 10-time Irish steeplechase champion who flew in from Ireland to mount Rawnag as a replacement for Jack Doyle, who suffered a serious leg injury in the Belmont Steeplechase Race in September. Doyle was at the finish line.
"His performance was everything we had hoped, very professional, very workmanlike," said trainer Cyril Murphy. "It was everything you want to see in a racehorse."
Dave Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DHutch_SL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.