Freehold, NJ — For more than four decades, the driving colony at Freehold Raceway has included “Diamond Jim” Marshall III. That era came to an end on Saturday (Dec. 19) but not before Marshall notched one more victory.

Jim Marhall III calls it a career on Saturday afternoon at Freehold Raceway. Photo courtesy of Freehold Raceway.

In his penultimate drive, race 10, Marshall won his 3,820th race. He put Rancousy on the lead early and never gave it up, holding for a half-length win. The winner is owned by Barbara Bongiorno and John Papadakis, and trained by Robert Bongiorno.

Following the race, Marshall was honored with a ceremony on the track, where he was presented with a ceremonial mug. Marshall’s wife, Donna, a trainer, and his son, Jim IV, a driver, were present.

His final drive came in the 11th race, on Nobles Finesse, for trainer Paul Fusco. He encountered traffic trouble and ended up fifth.

Marshall won his first race in 1977, guiding Governor Duke to victory at Freehold. His more than 33,000 drives have earned more than $25 million.

When not driving at Freehold, Marshall serves as the assistant starter at The Meadowlands. In February he’ll begin serving as a judge at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono.

Live racing resumes at Freehold next Saturday (Dec. 26), starting at 12:30 p.m.