Police help curb wild partying at Far Hills Race Meeting

Seventeen people were arrested for public urination at the 96th Annual Far Hills Race on Oct. 15, 2016.

FAR HILLS -- There were 35 arrests at the 96th annual Far Hills Race Meeting on Saturday, Far Hills Police Chief Michael DeCarolis said Tuesday.

Saturday's race attracted a crowd of approximately 40,000 people for the steeplechase race fundraiser at Moorland Farm. The 35 arrests includes new arrests not announced on Monday, when only preliminary information was available.

Last year, 37 people were arrested, while 36 were charged at the 2014 event. In 2013, police arrested 55.

"Each year we're taking more measures against excessive drinking and eliminating the amount of alcohol on the grounds," said DeCarolis. "We've put in place a very comprehensive and multi-layered strategy. We're doing the best we can with a highly-visible presence and proactive approach. In all, the day was a success."

Approximately 200 law enforcement officers were at this year's race, including roughly 100 New Jersey State Troopers.

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.

Here are the arrest totals for the past four years:

Oct. 15, 2016

On Saturday, there were a total of 35 arrests, including 17 for public urination, eight for prohibited behavior, three for drug-related offenses, three for disorderly conduct, two for simple assault, one for resisting arrest and one for underage drinking.

Oct. 17, 2015

There were a total of 37 arrests, including 25 for public urination, five for disorderly conduct, four for drug-related offenses, four for public nuisance, two for trespassing and one for destruction of property.

 

Oct. 18, 2014

There were a total of 36 arrests, including 20 for public urination, five for disorderly conduct, four for public nuisance, four for drug-related offenses, two for trespassing and one for destruction of property.

Oct. 19, 2013

There were a total of 55 arrests, including 30 for public urination, nine for improper behavior, eight for drug-related offenses, six for disorderly conduct, one for using a fake ID and one for driving while intoxicated.