Freehold, NJ — 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 honor 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 Grandichs and Irish Joe in the renaissance dining room for a meet-and-greet with fans.

The field for the Irish-Heritage race is as follows:

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 expected post time of this race, race seven, is 2:30 p.m.

The fun will continue in race nine, which is the International Women’s Day race. Eight women will showcase their girl-power and go head-to-head with each other. A special guest will be joining in the festivities, Jessica Paquette, the announcer at Parx Racing. She will try her hand at calling some harness races, including the women’s race. The forecast calls for a warm and sunny day; it will be a beautiful day to honor the women of horse racing.

The field for the International Women’s Day race is as follows:

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 expected post time of this race, race nine, is 3:10 p.m.

First post is 12:30 p.m.