In honour of St. Patrick’s Day, Freehold Raceway will be the scene of a special race featuring drivers of Irish heritage on Saturday (March 18).

The winner of the race, which will be sponsored by Mary and Peter Grandich of Freehold, N.J., will receive a special Irish race blanket and trophy.

“As a harness owner and racing fan, I’m honoured to be sponsoring the St. Paddy Pace,” said Peter Grandich. “My wife, Mary, was born and raised in Ireland and we were married there, so I have a deep connection to the Irish people and culture. I’m looking forward to this green day at the races.”

The drivers scheduled to participate in the race are Canadian-based Anthony Haughan and Mike Whelan -- the winner of this race in 2016 -- as well as George Brennan, Robert Bresnahan Jr., “Irish” Joe Hanney, Kyle Husted, Jim Marohn Jr., and Jim Marshall III.

(with files from Freehold Raceway)