With the passing of founder Bill Perretti earlier this year, the future of one of harness racing’s most successful breeding farms is uncertain.
The 700 acres that were once populated by mares and foals that won racing classics are now empty. Parcels of the preserved farmland are likely to be sold in the coming months. Offers have been made on certain properties, and the executors of the estate will continue to receive and review offers from any interested parties.
Most of the farm’s mares and yearlings have been sold, and 29-year-old Matts Scooter – the stallion that has contributed so much to the sport and made his home at Perretti Farm for 25 years – passed away on June 30. However, all farm properties are being maintained with the high standards set by Mr. Perretti – every inch of the farm properties precisely mowed, painted and shined.
Visitors during Hambletonian Week are invited to tour the showcase farm in Cream Ridge, N.J. Stroll the grounds and see the beautiful barns and dressage arena. Visit the stalls of leading stallions Rocknroll Hanover, Muscles Yankee, Matts Scooter, Windsongs Legacy and others. Take a guided tour. Get an update on Perretti’s active stallions, Lucky Chucky and Muscles Yankee. Enjoy a cool snack and view Perretti’s collection of Hambletonian and stakes race memorabilia recording the legacy of the farm. Visitors can take home a Perretti Farms hat as a memento of their visit.
Both the late Matts Scooter and Hambletonian heat-winner Winkys Gill, who is still living at the farm at age 34, are featured in the book ‘Standardbred Old Friends,’ which will be on sale at the farm on open house days.
Visitors are welcome from 1 – 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 30, Thursday, July 31 and Friday, August 1, in the week leading up to the Hambletonian. Please contact the farm to arrange your visit. The farm’s office number is 609-259-7555 or email [email protected]. Officials with the farm are also available to show the properties to any interested purchaser at other times and dates by special appointment.
(With files from Perretti Farms)