OCEANPORT, N.J. (AP) — After undergoing millions of dollars of repairs following Hurricane Sandy, Monmouth Park will kick off its thoroughbred season Saturday with a 12-race card and a showcase of local businesses to show the Jersey Shore is alive and kicking.
The meet will be the first at the track since the superstorm struck in late October, devastating homes and businesses along the eastern seaboard. Nine barns at the track were flooded and had to be rebuilt, with total repairs costing roughly $5.7 million.
In the wake of one of the costliest hurricanes in U.S. history, the track served as a temporary home to more than 2,000 displaced people and as a parking lot for more than 1,000 utility trucks and crews brought in to re-establish service.
The Jersey Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau will showcase more than 40 businesses participating in the opening-day ceremonies that will include a car show, hot air balloons, live music and food vendors.
