The upcoming Saturday, March 16 will be an eventful one at Freehold Raceway. The track will host two themed races: an Irish Heritage race and an International Women’s Day race.

But first, Monmouth County 4-H’s Equine Science group will visit the paddock for a tour and learn about the behind-the-scenes of harness racing. Then the group will head over to the grandstand to enjoy the races, especially the special event races.

The Irish Heritage race is just in time for St. Patrick’s Day and will feature a full field of drivers of Irish descent. This race is sponsored by Peter and Mary Grandich and is in honoir of their good friend, a regular driver at Freehold Raceway, Irish Joe Hanney, who is still recovering from an accident in October. Marty Lyons of the New York Jets will be joining the Grandich’s and Irish Joe in the renaissance dining room for a meet and greet with fans.

The field for the Irish Heritage race, scheduled as the afternoon's seventh race with an approximate 2:30 p.m. post time, is listed below.

Irish Heritage Race
Post - Horse - Driver
1. Gold Star Yoder - Jim Marohn Jr
2. Frankie Boy - James Foley
3. Dependlebury A - James Marshall IV
4. Colt Fourty One - Doreen Dailey
5. Lindythefourteenth - James O’Donnell
6. Final Justice - Jack Killeen
7. Steppin Hurry - George Brennan
8. Hunt You Down - Seamus Quill

The International Women’s Day race is scheduled as the ninth race of the day with an approximate 3:10 p.m. post time. Eight women will showcase their "girl power" and go head-to-head with each other. A special guest will be joining in the festivities as Jessica Paquette, the announcer at Parx Racing, will try her hand at calling some harness races, including the women’s race. 

The field for the International Women’s Day race is listed below.

International Women's Day Race
Post - Horse - Driver
1. Moonwards Hanover - Marianna Monaco
2. H T Three - Helene Engblom
3. Keepamericagreat - McKenzie Sowers
4. Here Comes Red - Victoria Stratton
5. Matters Most - Madeliene Young
6. Salvadors Sun - Alexandra Goldin
7. Officer Blue Chip - Doreen Dailey
8. Walts Natty Datty - Stacy Chiodo

The forecast calls for a warm and sunny day; it will be a beautiful day to honour the women of horse racing.

First post for the 12-race card is 12:30 p.m.

(With files from Freehold Raceway)