JC / Railbird

Suffolk Downs Archive

Suffolk, August 3

After more than a week away, it was a pleasure to return to Suffolk Downs today. Still a hot topic on the backside, as it was in mid-July: The Rockingham turf races scheduled for September 5. (Daily Racing Form)

Posted in Suffolk Downs on August 3, 2004

Suffolk, July 14

Found while wandering the web this morning, a treasure trove of photographs from Suffolk Downs. Big crowds, movie stars, winning horses, cute kids petting Thoroughbreds, a pigeon placing sixth — they’re all represented in this extensive collection of images from the 1930s-70s (Boston Public Library).

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I’m a cautious bettor lately. On Wednesday, that meant I missed out on a prime opportunity in race four, a $4000 claiming event. Horse #7, Rescue One, was at odds of 11-1, despite a record that suggested he was a strong bet on yesterday’s off-track. He’d run in the money three times out of six starts on off-tracks, and just three races ago he’d placed third on a muddy track in a claiming $5000nw4/l. He looked like a winner, but I couldn’t convince myself to risk the money. Rescue One won, paying $25.20. Lesson learned.

Posted in Suffolk Downs on July 15, 2004

Suffolk, July 13

The New England Turf Writers annual dinner was held Monday night and a slew of awards was given out to horses and jockeys. Megan’s Halo, winner of five straight races in 2003, was named the James B. Moseley Horse of the Year. Top rider Josiah Hampshire received the Eli Chiat jockey award (for the second? or third? time) and apprentice jockey Mark Phillips was honored for special achievement, along with the horses Amazing Thunder, Boston Fox, Call Me Mr. Vain, Diplomatical, Island Melody, and Jill’s Layup. It was reported to me this morning by an attendee that the prime rib at dinner was “not bad” and that the evening was “pleasant.” I’ll be sure to get tickets next year.

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In today’s races: Jockey Jill Jellison, who recently returned to riding after recovering from injuries sustained in an accident last winter, was dumped from her mount, Sugar Shaker, in race four when the horse stumbled coming out of the gate. Free of 123 lbs., the horse unofficially ran second.

A personal thrill: Miami Mike, trained by Mario DeStefano, whose barn I’ve been working in, won race seven (final odds 5.80, paid $13.60), which meant I went to the winner’s circle for the first time ever. The bite Miami Mike gave me during his bath this morning was forgiven in all the excitement of watching him run and win this afternoon. Nip away, Miami Mike! I’m looking forward to my next trip to the circle.

Posted in Suffolk Downs on July 13, 2004

Suffolk, July 7

This afternoon was the first this week I stayed to watch the races. Tuesday I was at the track and gone by 10 a.m., and Monday I lingered just long enough to watch one of my favorites, Mighty Mouse (as he’s known in the barn), run in race two. No bet on him, though, not when his trainer said Monday morning after heavy rain forced officials to move the race from the turf to the main track, “He has no chance on the dirt.” He didn’t. The racing was a bit predictable today (six races won by favorites); the biggest surprise was Miss Whitney in race three, winning at odds of 37-1. My one bet was on race two, where I thought I spotted a great opportunity when Harmony Light was still at 7-2 five minutes before the race. By post time, her odds had collapsed to 7-5. She won, and paid $4.80.

Posted in Suffolk Downs on July 7, 2004