Far Hills race officials aiming to 'turn the tide' on drunken behavior

Reserve parking passes for the 95th annual Far Hills Race are stamped with a warning about excessive alcohol consumption.

FAR HILLS -- On each reserve parking pass for Saturday's 95th annual Far Hills Race a warning is printed.

It reads: "Excessive amounts of alcohol in concentrated areas will not be permitted."

The warning and a more pro-active approach by police are the latest measures taken by race officials and law enforcement officers to address the drunken infield mayhem that has stolen the spotlight from the country's premier steeplechase race.

Most of the reserve parking takes place in the infamous infield, where loud music, drinking and unruly behavior rule the day. The extravagant tailgate setups are located on the hilltop, where there are more than 1,600 premium spots.

"We're going to continue our quest to eliminate bad behavior," said Guy Torsilieri, chairman of the Far Hills Race Meeting Association and president of the National Steeplechase Association.

"We started (two years ago by) disallowing alcohol on trains and permitting people from bringing alcohol through the general admission gates. We're going to continue to turn the tide around."

Gates will open at 8 a.m. A crowd of more than 30,000 is expected for the race, which takes place over the rustic rolling hills of the 230-acre Moorland Farm. The first of seven races start at 1 p.m. The final race starts at 5 p.m.

The event, which attracts an international field of horses, will feature a record total purse of $600,000 this year, including the $300,000 Grand National race, the richest steeplechase purse in the country.

"We'll have people visiting areas and if there appears to be (excessive alcohol) we'll address it at the time," Torsilieri said.

Security, which has been beefed up to combat the problem, will include approximately 100 State Police officers, Torsilieri said. Officers from the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office and Sheriff's Office, the Far Hills police, Bedminster police and police from surrounding jurisdictions will also be present.

Last year, 36 people were arrested compared to 55 total arrests and summonses in 2013.

"We've been more pro-active in alcohol displayed ad obviously consumed," said Far Hills Chief of Police Michael DeCarolis. "We've had a meeting with the local police chiefs and we've all agreed with the pro-active strategy."

DeCarolis said that while law enforcement officials want to curb rowdy behavior, it also wants race goers to enjoy themselves. It can be a difficult line to walk at times, he said.

"You never want to change the dynamic of the event but you want people to be safe and orderly," he said. "We just want people to enjoy the event in a safe and orderly manner."

Torsilieri said tickets prices will remain the same as last year, with general admission tickets costing $100 and race-day admission priced at $200. Those prices were raised from $60 and $120, respectively, last year because of the rising prices to stage the event. Parking remains $30, Torsilieri said.

Dave Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@njadvancemedia.com.Follow him on Twitter @DHutch_SL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.