JC / Railbird

Suffolk Downs Archive

Suffolk Cancels Wednesday

Suffolk Downs has cancelled Wednesday’s card so that horsemen and track employees can attend a hearing on legislation that could significantly affect racing in the state. In an all-or-nothing move, slots supporters have asked legislators to include language approving slot machines in a simulcasting bill that must be passed this year for the state’s racetracks to remain open, daring governor Mitt Romney to follow through on his threat to veto any legislation that expands gaming and kill off an entire industry.
The hearing is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. in the Gardner Auditorium at the State House.
“The future of thoroughbred racing in New England and specifically at Suffolk Downs is at stake,” said Mario DeStefano, New England HBPA president. “This legislation is so important to us that we really feel the need to be significantly represented at the State House for Wednesday’s hearing.” In addition to the horsemen planning to attend, the union representing mutuel tellers and other track employees will bus hundreds of workers to the hearing to show support.
Desperation? Calculation? I’m not entirely sure which is driving this longshot push for slots. I’ll be at the hearing tomorrow, though, trying to sort it out.

Posted in Suffolk Downs on September 27, 2005

Suffolk Saturday

Trainer Reynaldo Abreu brought his career record to six wins on Saturday when Bird Charm easily overwhelmed his competition in race one, a maiden special weight. Since the former Nick Zito assistant took charge of Marylou Whitney’s stable in June, he’s earned five wins at Suffolk Downs. The stable is based in Saratoga. “It’s just as easy to go to Suffolk as Belmont,” Abreu explained last week after winning his fourth race at the Downs with another maiden, Bird Harbor. And the races are easier too (Daily Racing Form).

Posted in Suffolk Downs on September 25, 2005

Monday at Suffolk

Janine Savoie earned her first win as a licensed trainer in race seven, with longshot Freda Z. In race nine, Cahill Mango, formerly of Jeff Mullins’ Santa Anita stable and shipping in from Belmont for Bruce Levine, ran the fastest six furlongs at Suffolk Downs so far this year, winning in 1:09.9.

Posted in Suffolk Downs on July 12, 2005