The raceway — described as the oldest operating horse-racing track in the country — will have its last day Dec. 28.

Freehold Raceway, the oldest horse racing track in the United States, is shutting down at the end of the year.

December 1853 - Monmouth County Agriculture Society was formed to hold an annual fair with harness racing in the Township of Freehold. Annual membership fee would be $1 and a one-time payment of $10 would permit a person to be a life member. It has been researched that racing was held at the same site as early as the 1830s.

It’s the sport of kings, and for around 170 years, this raceway was king. But in shocking announcement, Freehold Raceway said Thursday it will run its last race and cease operations in late December.