Monmouth Park Kicks Off 8oth Season; John Heims Receives Virgil ‘Buddy’ Raines Award

[Wandering Eyes]

Oceanport, NJ–Only a few years removed from what seemed like a death-knell for the New Jersey Thoroughbred industry, Monmout Park enthusiastically ushered in its 80th racing season with a full house during the Oceanport oval's press conference held in Turf Club dining room.

Hosted by the TDN's Christina Bossinakis, the event was attended by a solid contingent of elected officials as well as local horsemen and women. Also included among the event's highlights, Monmouth General Manager John Heims, a long-time Monmouth executive, was honored with the 2025 Virgil 'Buddy' Raines Award.

Currently the track's general manager and in-house counsel, Heims has been at Monmouth Park since 1997, serving in a variety of roles. He started at the Jersey Shore track as the Publicity Assistant, moving on to become the Director of Media Relations, In-House Counsel, Director of Racing/Racing Secretary.

“Having grown up at the Jersey Shore, Monmouth Park has been the only place I ever wanted to spend my time,” said Heims. “To be so lucky and fortunate to work here for nearly 30 years, although when it's a labor of love it's not really work, has been a true blessing.”

Also speaking during the event, Darby Development LLC Chairman and CEO Dennis Drazin underscored several of the changes emerging at the track, including the new Caesars Sportsbook, expected to officially open in July. Outfitted with a new Shake Shack menu, the venue will offer Vegas-style betting menu. Drazin also discussed a pair of new hotels expected for the property and high-end housing. Underpinning the project, it was announced last summer that Darby Development took over the track after forging a new 85-year lease with the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association and New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority.

Also featured at this year's conference was a rundown of the updated jockey colony set to return to Monmouth this season. Headed by Paco Lopez, who will aim for his seventh straight riding title and 12th overall, the remaining roster includes Tampa Bay Downs meet leader Samuel Marin, Samy Camacho, Isaac Castillo, Madison Olver, Melissa Iorio, Jomar Torres and Fernando Jara. Veteran rider Jose Ferrer, who missed the 2024 season, also returns this year. Jorge Vargas Jr., who was injured in a spill at Parx in February, is also poised to return at Monmouth this summer.

Newcomers to the venue include Sonny Leon, Jeiron Barbosa, Dexter Haddock, Chantal Sutherland and apprentice Melvis Gonzalez.

(L to R) Joe Bravo, Jorge Gonzalez, Jr., Chantal Sutherlands, Madison Olver and Sonny Leon | Bill Denver  – Equi-Photo

Headlining the trainer's colony, Todd Pletcher, Shug McGaughey and Chad Brown will be represented. Returning trainers include Jorge Delgado, Jose Delgado, Mike Dini, Chuck Spina, Pat McBurney, Kathleen O'Connell, Joe Orseno and Kathleen Demasi. New in 2025, Diane Morici and Daniel Siculietano.

The GI NYRA Bets Haskell Stakes highlights this season's stakes schedule, which kicks off this Saturday with the Long Branch Stakes on opening day followed by the Serena's Song Stakes on Mother's Day Sunday. During the 50-day meet, post time will be 12:50 p.m. Saturday-Sunday and holiday Mondays. Friday racing is set to begin June 20 and post times for those days will be 2 p.m.

For more information on Monmouth Park's 80th season, click here.

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