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Suffolk Downs Archive

Suffolk Opens Saturday

Suffolk Downs opens this Saturday for the 2006 meet, and the opening day card actually boasts several full fields, even though only 600 horses are on the grounds so far. Racing secretary Jim Pambianchi hopes to have 1,000 on the backstretch after Tampa closes this weekend. Good news for this year’s meet: After being cancelled last year, the MassCap will return this year, on September 30. “With the race scheduled five weeks before the Breeders’ Cup, it will be a logical spot for some of the Classic Division contenders to make their final prep,” said Suffolk COO Robert O’Malley. Doors opens at 10 a.m. and a season pass will be given out with all paid admissions.

Posted in Suffolk Downs on May 4, 2006

MassCap Revival Possible?

Here’s something for New England racing fans to look forward to (although, I’m trying not to get my hopes up too much): Suffolk Downs COO Robert O’Malley said the track is trying to revive the Grade II Massachusetts Handicap for this year’s meet. ”We’re hoping we can do it,” said O’Malley. “We still have a few things to do, but right now we’re looking at Sept. 30 for the MassCap.” Suffolk Downs opens for live racing this Saturday. The weather forecast isn’t encouraging (clouds, light rain), but I’ll be there for every race of the afternoon (and the Kentucky Derby, of course) …

Posted in Suffolk Downs on May 1, 2006

Unforeseen Consequences

If Suffolk Downs were to close permanently, the losses would go beyond jobs and open space:

Suffolk’s open tradition is not limited to jockeys. There are more women trainers at Suffolk Downs than at any other track — about 40 according to an informal count done last summer. Many of the grooms are women. The track vet is a woman. The board chair is a woman — Patricia Moseley. There are only two women stewards in the country and one, Susan Walsh, is at Suffolk Downs. Beyond these are women who work as pony riders, walkers, tellers and in many other posts … Suffolk’s demise would destroy what has been a steady force for the equality of women in the workplace. Solely as a topic that concerns working women, and one with national implications, the survival of Suffolk Downs deserves care and attention.

Posted in Suffolk Downs on April 26, 2006

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