Suffolk Downs as viewed from Orient Heights |
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| Location | East Boston, Massachusetts, United States |
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| Owned by | Richard Fields (Largest Share Holder) |
| Date opened | 1935 |
| Course type | Flat |
| Official website | |
Suffolk Downs, a thoroughbred race track in East Boston, Massachusetts, United States opened in 1935. Famous horses that have raced at this track include Seabiscuit, Whirlaway, Funny Cide and Cigar. The MassCap is held there, as well at the annual Hot Dog Safari. The track is a one-mile dirt oval with a seven-furlong inner turf track.
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The track was founded in 1935 after pari-mutuel wagering was legalized in Massachusetts. The first MassCap was held that year. The track raced through World War II. On 18 August 1966,[1] The Beatles played a concert before approximately 24,000 music fans in the infield of Suffolk Downs. Between 1990 and 1991 there was no racing at Suffolk. In 1992, this was resolved when a deal was brokered between Suffolk Downs and Rockingham Park. In 1995 the Massachusetts Handicap returned from a six-year hiatus with a victory by Cigar. The track is conveniently accessed by public transportation via the Suffolk Downs MBTA subway station on the Blue Line. In 2007, the track had an influx of new ownership, vowing to improve the success and future of Suffolk Downs.
In 2008, Suffolk Downs became the first race track in the country to implement a zero-tolerance policy toward those who slaughter horses. The policy states that if a horse from Suffolk Downs is sold for slaughter, the trainer and owner of that horse will be barred from the grounds for life.
The track is the host to numerous overnight handicaps and minor stakes.
Notable Stakes
| Race | Age | Distance | Pures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Handicap G3 | (3 & Up) | 9 furlongs | $500,000 |
| James B. Moseley Sprint Handicap | (3 & Up) | 6 furlongs | $100,000 |
Other Stakes:
| Race | Age | Distance | Pures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drumtop Stakes | (F&M 3&Up) | 6 furlongs | $50,000 |
| Robert M. O’Malley Memorial | (3 & Up) | 5 furlongs (T) | $50,000 |
| Isadorable Stakes (MA) | (F&M 3&Up) | 6 furlongs | NA |
| My Fair Lady Stakes | (F&M 3&Up) | 1 mile & 1/16 (T) | NA |
| Last Dance Stakes (MA) | (3 & Up) | 1 mile & 70 yards | NA |
| First Episode Stakes (MA) | (F&M 3&Up) | 1 mile & 70 yards | NA |
| Old Ironsides Stakes | (3 & Up) | 1 mile & 1/16 (T) | NA |
| Waquoit Stakes | (3 & Up) | 1 & 1/16 mile | NA |
| Mom’s Command | (F&M 3&Up) | 5 furlongs (T) | NA |
| Rudy Baez | (3 & Up) | 6 furlongs | NA |
| Rise Jim | (3 & Up) | 6 furlongs | NA |