News & Notes

Suffolk Downs has adjusted its live racing schedule for the current meet. For the last full week of August, there will be live racing on August 24 (Sunday), August 25 (Monday), August 27 (Wednesday) and August 30 (Saturday). There will be no live racing on Sunday, August 31. Daily first post time is 12:45 p.m.

As of Labor Day, September 1, live racing will be conducted every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday through the conclusion of the meet on Saturday, November 8. First post time is 12:45 p.m. daily.

The 66th running of the $500,000 Massachusetts Handicap will take place on Saturday, September 20.

Suffolk Downs remains open for simulcasting seven days a week.

Joint Resources Will Now Focus on Future Entertainment, Gaming Possibilities

August 13, 2008 (East Boston, Mass.)—Sterling Suffolk Racecourse, the operator of the 73-year-old Suffolk Downs, and the Westwood Group, owner of Wonderland Greyhound Park in Revere, today announced a final agreement for a partnership between the two entities which will help protect the thousands of existing jobs at both sites and strengthen the effort to bring a resort-style casino to the East Boston-Revere area should the state decide to expand gaming.

The partnership agreement gives Suffolk Downs an option to purchase Wonderland and for the two entities to share in the potential benefits from future development at both sites. Both Suffolk Downs and Wonderland have been operating as pari-mutuel wagering facilities since 1935.

“We have been working on this kind of agreement for a while but the time has been well spent because we now have gotten it right; we have today an excellent understanding that will protect existing jobs as much as possible into the future and will commit the joint resources of our companies to the goal of a premium resort-style casino which will bring new jobs to the area and provide the state with much needed revenue,” said Richard Fields, Suffolk Downs’ principal shareholder.

Both facilities will remain separately owned and operated while they work collaboratively to expand the gaming and entertainment opportunities available to their patrons, expand employment opportunities for their workers and increase revenues for local and state coffers.

“Today is an important day for the dedicated workers and staff at Wonderland Park,” said Wonderland owner Charles Sarkis. “All along during discussions with Suffolk Downs, we had one big goal in mind: protect the jobs of nearby residents who, in many cases, have spent their whole lives working at this facility. I thank Richard Fields and Joe O’Donnell for their commitment to do all they can to protect those people and their livelihoods,” Sarkis added.

Under the new partnership, horse racing will continue at historic Suffolk Downs. Since Fields acquired his interest in the track in April of 2007, the track has undertaken a series of improvements, including the addition of a family picnic area on the grandstand apron, refurbishments in the barn area and the restoration of the track’s signature event, the Massachusetts Handicap, with a purse of $500,000.

“Charlie Sarkis and I have been friends for 35 years. We have been working toward this day for a long time and, as a former stockholder in Wonderland and an Everett native, I am pleased that this agreement will help re-develop both sites so that they can survive and thrive in these challenging times,” said Joseph O’Donnell, Suffolk Downs principal and longtime shareholder.

Fields also announced today that he is providing funding for Wonderland’s greyhound adoption program to ensure that all retired dogs find good homes.

Suffolk Downs and Wonderland are less than two miles apart, with Suffolk covering 167 acres and Wonderland including 35 acres.

Adel Salim's Silks Crown ran down the odds-on favorite Considering in deep stretch and drew off to an impressive one-and-a-half length victory in Sunday's $50,000 Louise Kimball stakes at Suffolk Downs.

Under a precisely timed ride by jockey Orlando Bocachica, the 3-year-old daughter of Silk Broker swung out three-wide coming off the turn and ran down the odds-on choice in deep stretch for her first career victory in a race restricted to 3-year-old fillies bred in the state of Massachusetts.

Silks Crown paid $6.20, 2.80 and 2.20. Considering paid $2.20 and 2.20 and 21-to-1 longshot Angel's Treasure paid 3.00 to show.

Elbow Room chased down a front-running City Connection to prevail by a head in Wednesday's featured allowance race, completing five furlongs in :59 1/5 over a good main track.

Ridden by Felix Ferrer for trainer Maylene Conkey, the three-year-old daughter of Trajectory returned $16.20, 8.80 and 6.00. Pace setter City Connection paid $7.00 and 6.60 while a fast-closing Zeta B returned $4.80 to show.

Live racing resumes on Friday with the Suffolk Downs twilight racing and entertainment series, featuring a live performance from the Bruce Springsteen tribute band, The B-Street Band.

The New Jersey-based band, which has been together for over 20 years and is considered one of the longest-running tribute bands of any kind, will be appearing six days after Springsteen’s performance at Gillette Stadium. The band will warm up during the latter part of the live racing card before playing an extended set once the racing program is complete at 7 p.m. This show is free with regular track admission. First post is 3:05 p.m.

Dean Goulet of Nashua, NH took top honors in the qualifying tournament held August 2 at Suffolk Downs to earn a spot in the DRF/NTRA National Handicapping Championship for the third time in four years.

Goulet, who also won this Suffolk Downs tournament in August of 2005, will compete against handicappers from around the country next January 23-24 at Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa in Las Vegas.

Goulet finished with a total mythical bankroll of $128.10, besting fellow Granite-stater Doug Beaton of Salem, NH by $1.80. By virtue of his second place finish, Beaton qualified for the National Championship as well.

The tournament drew 188 entrants from 10 states and Canada. Players were required to place mythical $2 win and place wagers on one horse in each of 15 pre-selected races from Suffolk Downs, Del Mar, Monmouth and Saratoga. All selections had to be submitted prior to the first race of the tournament and there was no cap on prices.

The top ten finishers were:

NAME, RESIDENCE, BANKROLL
1. Dean Goulet, Nashua, NH, $128.10
2. Doug Beaton, Salem, NH, $126.30
3. Garry Kaebitzsch, North Reading, MA, $120.60
4. Paula Magner, Freehold, NJ, $115.60
5. Ken McCowan, Wilmington, MA, $113.70
6. Robert Valente, Medford, MA, $112.90
7. Robert Barrasso, Lynn, MA, $107.10
8. Kenneth Timperley, Sanbornville, NH, $106.60
9. Alan Abbott, Toronto, Ontario, $102.20
10. Frank Zambello, Malden, MA, $101.00

A second qualifying tournament at Suffolk Downs will be held Saturday, October 18. One spot in the NHC will be at stake.

Richard Bassett's Nergal unleashed a powerful bid along the hedge coming off the far turn and ran down pacesetting Riversrunrylee in deep stretch drawing off to an impressive one-and-three-quarter length victory in the $50,000 Old Ironsides stakes Saturday at Suffolk Downs.

Ridden by Tammi Piermarini, the 5-year-old gray French-bred son of Simon Du Desert shipped in from Saratoga to record his first stakes victory for trainer Christophe Clement after covering the mile and a sixteenth over the firm turf course in 1:47 2/5.

Nergal paid $3.40, 2.40 and 2.20 as the odds-on choice in the 10-horse field. Riversrunrylee had to settle for second money and returned 3.60 and 2.80 and the only female in the race British Event paid 3.60 in third.

“The times are tough now, just getting tougher”

Bruce Springsteen, “Cover Me”

“Me and you are subject to the blues now and then, But when you take the blues and make a song, you sing them out again”

Neil Diamond, “Song Sung Blue”

With real estate values down and gas prices up, now more than ever, there is a need for someone to step up and give people a reason to celebrate that’s easy on the pocket book. Suffolk Downs is doing just that with a pair of shows next month at the historic Boston racetrack.

As an affordable alternative to three-digit concert tickets, Suffolk Downs is offering music fans a pair of fun, intimate and inexpensive concert experiences by two of the country’s premier tribute bands. For a fraction of the price of the big shows, fans of Neil Diamond and Bruce Springsteen can sing along to their favorite tunes with the racetrack as a backdrop. These shows are the culmination of the track’s summer-long Friday twilight racing and entertainment series which features live thoroughbred racing beginning at 3 p.m.

Super Diamond, “The Alternative Neil Diamond Experience,” will play at Suffolk Downs on Friday, August 22, the eve of Diamond’s much-anticipated concert at Fenway Park. Super Diamond, featuring lead singer Surreal Neil, made its first performance 15 years ago in San Francisco and is regarded as the world’s premier Neil Diamond tribute band. The show will take place after the conclusion of live racing, at approximately 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 when purchased in advance, $25 at the door. Advance tickets are on sale now at suffolkdowns.com. All tickets are general admission.

The B-Street Band will take the stage at the track on Friday, August 8. The New Jersey-based group, which has been together for over 20 years and is considered one of the longest-running tribute bands of any kind, will be appearing six days after Springsteen’s local performance at Gillette Stadium. The band will warm up during the latter part of the live racing card before playing an extended set once the racing program is complete at 7 p.m. This show is free with regular track admission.

“We wanted to have some fun, celebrate the summer and give people a chance to enjoy some great music without worrying about missing a car payment to do it,” said Suffolk Downs’ Chief Operating Officer Chip Tuttle.

Suffolk Downs boasts a rich musical history, which includes the final Boston-area appearance by the Beatles in 1966, a performance by Aerosmith in the 1970s, and a variety of shows and festivals in the last decade featuring acts such as Elvis Costello, Hootie and the Blowfish, the Goo Goo Dolls, and the Dropkick Murphys.

Nijinsky Bullet, the New England Turf Writers' Award winner for older females in 2007, continued her winning ways with a resounding eight-length victory in Saturday's featured eighth race at Suffolk Downs.

Ridden by Deudis Pena-Mora, the 5-year-old daughter of 1997 Kentucky Derby winner Silver Charm slipped through along the rail at the top of the stretch and drew off to an impressive 8-length triumph, stopping the teletimer in a sharp 1:09 4/5 for the six furlongs.

Nijinsky Bullet, who captured the My Fair Lady stakes on July 4th, paid $3.40, 2.20 and 2.20 as the odds on choice. Lucky You returned 3,80 and 3.80 and 16-to-1 longshot Swing Lane paid 7.40 in third.

Flirt for Fame, the lone mare in a field of eight Massachusetts-breds, got up by three-quarters of a length in Saturday's $50,000 Last Dance Stakes at Suffolk Downs, stopping the clock in 1:44 4/5 over a fast track.

Flirt for Fame relaxed off the pace before uncorking a strong move from the middle of the track to catch a game Episode on Tour.

Ridden by Jose Lopez, the five-year-old daughter of Freud earned her seventh local stakes win for trainer Michael Gorham and pushed her career earnings upwards of $300,000.

Live racing continues continues on Sunday with Family Fun Day, featuring a magician, and the weekly gas card giveaway. Family Fun activities will take place from 1-3 p.m. at the outdoor picnic and play area. Twenty $50 gas cards will be given away each Sunday, plus Labor Day, through September 1. Entry forms will be given out with paid admission.

De Roode, a six-time winner at Suffolk Downs last year, was named the recipient of the 2007 James B. Moseley Horse of the Year Award by the New England Turf Writers Association at its 66th Annual Awards Dinner held Monday evening at the Danversport Yacht Club in Danvers, MA.

Owned by Aurora Springs Stable and trained by Rafael Ramos, De Roode was the claim of the year in 2007, advancing from the bottom claiming level to compete in stakes company.

De Roode was claimed for $4,000 on June 4, 2007 and went on to win his first three starts for Ramos impressively. After a second place finish over a muddy racetrack, he rebounded to win his next two races, including a 10-¾ length romp over allowance company. On MassCap Day at Suffolk Downs, he overcame a wide trip to gamely rally for the runner up spot in the Waquoit Stakes. On closing day at Suffolk, he went out on a winning note with a sharp gate-to-wire win and improved his record to six wins and four seconds after joining the Ramos barn. De Roode went on to have a successful winter campaign at Tampa Bay Downs, which included a victory on April 1 of this year. De Roode is stabled at Suffolk Downs again this year.

De Roode had previously been named top older male, while Ramos was awarded the Gerry Sullivan Memorial Award for outstanding trainer. Ramos campaigned a pair of other champions in Awesome Chic and Nijinsky Bullet.

Other divisional winners honored at the awards dinner were:

2-year-old filly – Awesome Chic
2-year-old male – Beijing House
3-year-old filly – Musical Start
Robert M. O’Malley Memorial Award - 3-year-old male – What a Trippi
Older female – Nijinsky Bullet
Older male – De Roode
Turf female - Mommyums
Joseph E. Carney Memorial Award – Turf male – Canyon’s Way
Sprinter – Blind River Fox
Cliff Sundberg Memorial Award - New England-bred – Ask Queenie
Special Achievement – David Amiss, Clifford Dooley, Brilliant Mrs. W, Milky Way Guy, President’s Intern
Eli Chiat Memorial Award – Outstanding Jockey – Tammi Piermarini
Gerry Sullivan Memorial Award – Outstanding Trainer – Rafael Ramos
Lou Smith Memorial Award - Yearly Achievement – Richard Fields
Sam McCracken Memorial Award – Lifetime Achievement – Francis “Skip” McDonnell

The New England Turf Writers Association also inducted its Hall of Fame Class of 2008, which consists of multiple-New England champion Timely Writer, trainer George Handy and track announcer Jim Hannon. The Hall of Fame was founded in 2005. A plaque bearing the names of all of the inductees is on permanent display at the Sports Museum located in the TD Banknorth Garden.

Bobby Sands, a three-year-old colt trained by Hall of Famer Nick Zito, seized command going into the far turn and drew off to a convincing seven length victory in Sunday's featured allowance race at Suffolk Downs.

Carrying the familiar maroon and gold silks of Robert LaPenta, the son of Gulch completed the mile and seventy yards in 1:42 4/5 over a fast track under leading rider David Amiss. Zito and LaPenta recently made headlines with Da' Tara, the 38-1 upset winner of this year's Belmont Stakes.

"I've always had a lot of success at Suffolk Downs," said Zito, a two-time Kentucky Derby winning trainer. "I would like to thank Richard Fields for assuring a future for Suffolk Downs and for horse racing in Boston. I look forward to returning with more horses on Mass Cap Day [September 20]."

Bobby Sands, heavily favored at 1-2, returned $3.00, 2.40 and 2.20. Java's Lover paid $4.00 and 4.20 and Moving on the Wind returned $4.60 to show.

Also on Sunday, Suffolk Downs honored longtime track announcer Jim Hannon. Hannon, who served as the track's racecaller from 1969-1989,sang the national anthem and called races four and five on the nine-race card. He will be inducted into the New England Turf Writers Association's Hall of Fame on Monday.

The Hall of Fame class of 2008, which also consists of New England champion Timely Writer and trainer George Handy, will be honored along with the 2007 NETWA award winners at the organization's 66th Annual Awards Dinner at the Danversport Yacht Club in Danvers, MA

Indian Rush was an impressive winner of the first two-year-old race of the season Sunday at Suffolk Downs. The juvenile filly, ridden to victory by Winston Thompson, completed four furlongs in :46 3/5.

Trained by Karl Grusmark, the daughter of Indian Charlie rushed to the lead and was always in control, winning by ¾-length over a game Snow Down. Sent off as the 6-5 favorite, Indian Rush returned $4.40, 2.80 and 2.20. Snow Down paid $3.80 and 3.60 while longshot Truly a Doll returned $8.00 to show.

Flirt for Fame turned the tables on rival Ask Queenie with a resounding 5-½ length score in Saturday's $50,000 Isadorable Stakes for Massachusetts-breds at Suffolk Downs, completing the six-furlong race in 1:09 4/5, the fastest sprint time of the meet.

Ridden by Jose Lopez, the five-year-old daughter of Freud relaxed off the pace and seized command turning for home and drew off comfortably, earning her sixth local stakes win for trainer Michael Gorham.

Sent off as the second choice, Flirt for Fame returned $5.60 and 4.20. Southoftheborder closed well for second over the favored Ask Queenie and paid $15.20. There was no show wagering.

The holiday weekend excitement continues on Sunday with another Family Fun Day and the beginning of a weekly gas card giveaway. Family Fun activities will take place from 1-3 p.m. at the outdoor picnic and play area. Starting this weekend, twenty $50 gas cards will be given away each Sunday, plus Labor Day, through September 1. Entry forms will be given out with paid admission. First post is 12:45 p.m.

Nijinsky Bullet prevailed by a nose over Salty Response after thrilling stretch duel to capture Friday's $50,000 My Fair Lady Stakes before an Independence Day crowd of 6,425 at Suffolk Downs.

Nijinsky Bullet hooked up with the pace-setter, Salty Response, turning for home and those two battled to the wire, finishing 15-1/4 lengths clear of their nearest rival.

The five-year-old bay daughter of Silver Charm gave regular rider Deudis Pena-Mora his first stakes win for trainer Rafael Ramos.

"She is just so game," Pena-Mora said. "In the stretch, when the rail opened up she went right through and the rest is history."

Nijinsky Bullet, New England's champion mare of 2007, returned $10.20, 4.20 and 3.00. Favored Salty Response paid $2.80 and 2.20 and Peak Maria's Way returned $2.20 to show.

On Saturday, the stakes action continues with the $50,000 Isadorable Stakes for Massachusetts-bred fillies and mares. First post is 12:45 p.m.

The holiday weekend excitement continues on Sunday with another Family Fun Day and the beginning of a weekly gas card giveaway. Family Fun activities will take place from 1-3 p.m. at the outdoor picnic and play area. Starting this weekend, twenty $50 gas cards will be given away each Sunday, plus Labor Day, through September 1. Entry forms will be given out with paid admission. First post is 12:45 p.m.

Petesamassbred made a sharp late rally to prevail by a length and earn his first black type victory in Saturday's $50,000 Rise Jim Stakes for Massachusetts-breds at Suffolk Downs, completing the six furlong contest in 1:11 2/5.

After breaking a step slow, the seven-year-old gelding relaxed comfortably off the pace under Josue Marcano and made a bold move mid-stretch, collaring the front runners and holding off a game Ask Queenie. The win was the first stakes win for both jockey Marcano and trainer Charlie Fontana.

"He's a distance horse," said an elated Marcano after the race. "But when the speed started backing up, my horse just dug in and did everything I asked."

Petesamassbred returned $20.40, $7.00 and 4.60. New England champion Ask Queenie, the lone mare in the field of eleven males, paid $3.40 and 3.60 while longshot Sundance Richie returned $7.60 to show.

Joseph "Joe" Fatalo, Vice President of Operations at Suffolk Downs and a long-time employee of the track, died peacefully Sunday, June 15 from melanoma at his home in Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA. He was 66.

Fatalo, an East Boston native, began his Suffolk Downs career in 1965 as a mutuel teller. His career is intertwined with Suffolk Downs' history, starting with his father, Americo Fatalo, who worked as a mutuel clerk in the 1930s until his retirement age. Joe rose to the position of Business Manager of the teller's labor union and worked with tireless dedication toward the reopening of the track in 1992 after its closure in 1989, reinstating hundreds of jobs. He was asked to join the track's management team in 1998, serving as the track's Assistant General Manager prior to being named Vice President of Operations last year.

Fatalo was a familiar figure around Suffolk Downs, building relationships with employees from every area of the track, from the parking lot, to the Grandstand, to the jockey's room, and to the boardroom.

"Joe was a dedicated and valued part of Suffolk Downs for a long time," said Chip Tuttle, Chief Operating Officer of Suffolk Downs. "We will miss him dearly."

"Joe and I worked together and were friends for over 40 years," said John Werner, a long-time mutuel teller at Suffolk Downs. "At a time of a family crisis, the first call that we got was from Joe. Joe really helped Suffolk Downs. He did an outstanding job with everything he did at the track."

"Joe was a gentleman," said jockey David Amiss. "He always treated us fairly. If we had a problem, he addressed the issue right away. He was a very kind man."

Fatalo is survived by his wife of 43 years, Lynda, daughter Joanna O'Neill and son-in-law Johan O'Neill of Kailua, HI, daughter Catherine Glass and son-in-law Christopher Glass of Manchester, MA, daughter Leslie Pappas and son-in-law John Pappas of Hamilton, MA, and five grandchildren: Casper O'Neill, and Ava, Gavin, Joseph and Christopher (Jr.) Glass.

The family has established the Joseph Fatalo Memorial Scholarship. Contributions can be made to:
The Joseph Fatalo Memorial Scholarship
c/o Cape Ann Savings Bank
17 Beach Street
Manchester, MA 01944

The Breeders' Cup is inviting sports fans worldwide to vote on the Top 25 Moments in Breeders' Cup World Championship history. Click here to vote.

Voting will continue through July 17, 2008 in advance of the 25th running of the Breeders' Cup Oct. 24-25 at Santa Anita Park. The Top 25 Breeders' Cup Moments voted by fans will be included in a commemorative DVD that will go on sale in October.

A Breeders' Cup Nominating Committee developed a list of the top 40 most memorable moments to be narrowed down to the Top 25. Fans can rank their Top 5 selections.

Some of the moments for consideration include:
1984 Breeders' Cup Classic – Wild Again prevails over Slew O'Gold and Gate Dancer at the wire in the inaugural Classic
1988 Breeders' Cup Distaff – Personal Ensign defeats Winning Colors at the wire to finish her career undefeated
1995 Breeders' Cup Classic – Cigar completes his undefeated season
1998 Breeders' Cup Mile – Da Hoss wins his second Breeders' Cup Mile after two year absence.
2001 Breeders' Cup Classic – Tiznow wins second consecutive Breeders' Cup Classic
2007 Breeders' Cup Classic – Curlin defeats an all-star field and solidifying him as Horse of the Year

"As we look back on our history and prepare to celebrate with the 25th running, we felt this was an opportunity to encourage fans around the world to engage in the activities," said Peter Land, Chief Marketing Officer for the Breeders' Cup. "We look forward to celebrating these moments and creating many new ones."

Popular tribute bands Super Diamond and the B-Street Band are the headline performers for this summer's Friday twilight racing and entertainment series at Suffolk Downs, the track announced on Monday, June 16.

Super Diamond, regarded as the premier Neil Diamond tribute band, will perform at the historic track on Friday, August 22, the eve of Diamond's much-anticipated concert at Fenway Park. The show will take place after the conclusion of live racing. Ticket information will be available in the coming weeks.

The B-Street Band, a leading Bruce Springsteen tribute band, will take the stage at the track after the races on Friday, August 8. The New Jersey-based band will be appearing six days after Springsteen's Boston-area performance. This will be a general admission show with no advance ticket sales.

First post time on Fridays throughout the summer is 3 p.m. (excluding July 4, 12:45 p.m.). All events are scheduled to take place outdoors, weather permitting. Friday twilight racing also features a trackside outdoor tent and patio bar area.

Continuing with the tribute theme and simultaneously commemorating the rich musical history of Suffolk Downs, Beatles tribute group The No Reply Band will play on Friday, June 27. The Beatles made their final Boston appearance at Suffolk Downs on August 18, 1966.

Additional events on Fridays will include an island-themed concert on July 18, an all-day outdoor barbecue party on August 1, and a performance by country rock band Digger Dawg on August 15.

Excluding July 4 and the dates of the Super Diamond and B-Street Band shows, parking and admission are free on Fridays.

June 20 - WZLX Street Team party
June 27 - WZLX Beatles party featuring The No Reply Band, hosted by Chachi Loprete
July 4 - 12:45 post time, Suffolk Downs folding chair giveaway
July 11 - WKLB Street Team party
July 18 - WKLB Caribbean Concert, Kenny Chesney ticket giveaway
July 25 - WZLX Karlson & McKenzie party, live music by Revolver
August 1 - WROR Day: All-day barbecue party
August 8 - B-Street Band
August 15 - WKLB All-American Concert with Digger Dawg, Toby Keith ticket giveaway
August 22 - Super Diamond

The New England Turf Writers Association has elected its Hall of Fame class of 2008, which will be honored along with the 2007 NETWA award winners at the organization's 66th Annual Awards Dinner on Monday, July 14 at the Danversport Yacht Club in Danvers, MA.

The class consists of multiple-New England champion Timely Writer, trainer George Handy and track announcer Jim Hannon. The Hall of Fame was founded in 2005.

Timely Writer, a four-time Grade I winner, two-time stakes winner at Suffolk Downs, and a New England champion at both two and three, was a leading contender for the 1982 Kentucky Derby after recording back-to-back wins in the Flamingo Stakes and the Florida Derby. However, his Derby hopes were curtailed when he developed an illness after shipping from Florida to Kentucky. Owned by Bostonians Francis and Peter Martin and trained by Dominic Imprescia of Fitchburg, MA, he first emerged as a Derby candidate at age two, winning the Mayflower Stakes at the East Boston oval before posting impressive scores in both the Hopeful at Saratoga and the Champagne at Belmont Park.

George Handy began his training career in 1946 and is still active, maintaining a string of horses at Suffolk Downs this year. Handy, 84, captured his first Suffolk Downs title in 1956 and won four more Suffolk titles in the 1960s. He served as private trainer for prominent New England owner Francis McDonnell, conditioning numerous local stakes winners and New England champions. Handy and McDonnell were honored by the NETWA with the Lou Smith Memorial Award for contributions to New England racing in 2001. Handy has saddled stakes winners at over 15 racetracks in his career. Handy's national success includes a win in the 1981 Illinois Derby with Paristo, who finished third in the Preakness Stakes a month later.

Jim Hannon was the voice of New England racing for the majority of his nearly 40 years as a track announcer. He called his first race at Scarborough Downs in 1954 and went on to become the race caller at Delaware Park and Beulah Park in the 1960s. Hannon returned to New England racing in 1965 when he was named track announcer at Narragansett Park. In 1969, he succeeded his mentor Babe Rubenstein at both Suffolk Downs and Rockingham Park. Hannon was honored by the NETWA for his outstanding contributions to New England racing in 1984. Known for his booming voice, Hannon's most famous call came in the 1987 MassCap, when he exclaimed, "Ding-dong battle to the wire, Waquoit and Broad Brush!" Hannon, who celebrated his 80th birthday earlier this year, concluded his race-calling career in 1993, but remains involved in New England racing as an employee of Suffolk Downs.

The names of this year's inductees will be added to a plaque that is on permanent display in the New England thoroughbred racing exhibit at the Sports Museum located in the TD Banknorth Garden.

The panel of voters consisted of current active NETWA members. A two-thirds majority among the voters was required for election.

Now through the end of August, Suffolk Downs will conduct live racing on a Wednesday-Friday-Saturday-Sunday schedule. First post time on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday is 12:45 p.m. Friday twilight post time is 3 p.m., with the exception of Friday, July 4, when first post will be 12:45 p.m. Parking and admission for live racing on Fridays are free, excluding July 4, when Suffolk Downs folding chairs will be given out with paid admission.

Now through Labor Day, all Sundays and holidays are Family Fun Days at the East Boston oval. From 1-3 p.m., these fun-filled afternoons feature a variety of entertainment and activities for families, including pony rides, face painting, balloon twisting and more. Family fun activities take place near the outdoor trackside picnic and play area.

Place Your Bet stalked the early pacesetters through some torrid early fractions while four wide down the backstretch, opened up daylight in mid-stretch, then held off a furious late rush by 25-to-1 long shot My Privileged to post a half-length victory in Monday's featured $50,000 Rudy Baez Stakes at Suffolk Downs.

Ridden by Jennifer Stisted, the four-year-old son of Out of Place was sent off as the 3-to-2 favorite in his first trip to Boston for trainer Scott Lake and lived up to his expectations, paying $5.00, 3.40 and 2.60.

"I was a little bit concerned about the deeper racing surface up here in Boston, but he handled it very well," said Lake. "We love this area and hope to be back later on this summer."

My Privileged, making his first start since shipping up from Tampa Bay Downs, returned 19.80 and 8.80 in a gallant effort and High Appeal paid 3.20 in third in his first race since being claimed out of his Pimlico finale last month.

The Rudy Baez marked the beginning of an expanded stakes schedule at Suffolk Downs this year. The schedule includes the $500,000 Massachusetts Handicap, the $100,000 James B. Moseley Sprint Handicap, and six other $50,000 open stakes.

Jockey Dyn Panell and trainer John Rigattieri teamed up to win five races, including four in a row, on Saturday's nine-race card at Suffolk Downs before a Preakness Stakes day crowd of 7,220.

Panell and Rigattieri earned their first trip to the winner's circle when the favored Good Will ($5.20) won race three. The tandem then proceeded to sweep races five through eight. They took the fifth in a six-length romp aboard Dixie Red ($3.40) and followed that up with a determined score by Prince of Iron ($5.20) in the sixth. The streak was extended in the seventh race with a 1 ¾-length victory by 4-5 favorite Blondie's Halo ($3.60) and culminated with an upset by Handsome Bruno ($15.80) in the eighth.

The five-win day was the third of Panell's career. He is the first jockey to accomplish this riding feat at Suffolk Downs since Winston Thompson on November 11, 2006. Panell rode five winners for Rigattieri on June 19, 2006. Rigattieri also saddled five winners on July 15, 2006, four of which were ridden by Panell.

Panell has the highest winning percentage among Suffolk jockeys each of the last three seasons, winning at a 27% clip. He finished fourth in the 2007 Suffolk standings with 67 victories from only 244 mounts. Rigattieri has been leading trainer at Suffolk Downs the last four years, saddling 64 winners a year ago.

After the third race, Suffolk Downs honored CANTER New England as part of its "Community Winner's Circle" program. The program recognizes individuals and groups who have dedicated themselves to worthy causes in the local community. Since 2002, the all-volunteer staff of CANTER New England has helped the region's owners, breeders and trainers find new careers for more than 1,500 retiring racehorses.

Jockey David Amiss and trainer John Rigattieri teamed up to win three of the 10 races on the Opening Day card at Suffolk Downs before a passionate crowd of 16,290.

Amiss started the day off with a three-length score aboard Dixie Red ($3.60) in the season opener. He and Rigattieri teamed up to sweep the late daily double with Electric Mountain ($5.00) and Northern Command ($4.20), both in front-running fashion. The double returned $11.00.

Amiss, a New Hampshire native, was second in the jockey standings in 2007 with 75 victories. Rigattieri has been leading trainer at Suffolk Downs the last four years, saddling 64 winners a year ago.

A day after celebrating her birthday and throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at Fenway Park, defending riding champion Tammi Piermarini was aboard two winners.

"It was a great day for us, despite the less than ideal weather," said Richard Fields, the leading shareholder of Suffolk Downs. "The crowd showed tremendous enthusiasm and today's success bodes well for us for another great season of racing."

After the eighth race, the track introduced its "Community Winner's Circle" program by honoring ZUMIX of East Boston for their outstanding contributions to the local community. The program will recognize individuals and groups who have dedicated themselves to worthy causes in the community and will make a donation to their cause.

ZUMIX has nearly 17 years of experience serving underserved youth through music, technology and related arts. The mission of ZUMIX is empowered youth who use music to make strong, positive change in their lives, their communities and the world. ZUMIX has grown to serve over 350 youth per year in after-school and summer programs and reaches more than 6,000 additional youth and adults through workshops, community events, and outdoor concerts.

Suffolk Downs will conduct Friday twilight racing in the months of June, July and August, the track announced as it introduced its complete racing schedule and several other initiatives for the 2008 live racing season, which begins Saturday, May 3.

For the month of May, live racing will be held every Wednesday and Saturday, as well as Memorial Day. Usual first post time is 12:45 p.m. Post time on Opening Day is 12:55 p.m. Beginning June 6 and continuing through the end of August, the track will operate on a Wednesday-Friday-Saturday-Sunday schedule, with first post time on Friday set for 3:00 p.m. First post time on Friday, July 4 will be 12:45 p.m.

Beginning Labor Day, September 1, the track will employ a Monday-Wednesday-Friday-Saturday schedule until the conclusion of the meet on November 8. First post time will be 12:45 p.m. daily.

"We have designed the 2008 schedule to drive more people to live racing," said Suffolk Downs Chief Operating Officer Chip Tuttle. "The results from last year's shift in schedule, which included the addition of Sunday racing, were promising and we are hopeful the public will react similarly to twilight Fridays."

Under new ownership in 2007, average daily attendance for the live racing meet was up 22 percent, while average daily handle on track for the live meet rose 14 percent.

Suffolk Downs will open the season with a five percent increase in purses, the track's second purse increase in as many years. In 2007, total purses paid increased 12 percent from the previous year.

The $500,000 Massachusetts Handicap headlines an expanded schedule of nine open stakes. The MassCap is a qualifying race in the Breeders' Cup Challenge "Win and You're In Classic Division." The winner of the race will automatically qualify for the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic on October 25. The 66th MassCap will take place on Saturday, September 20.

The track also announced the establishment of the "Community Winner's Circle" program to recognize individuals and groups who have dedicated themselves to worthy causes in the community. Suffolk Downs will have special race-day presentations in the winner's circle in their honor and will make donations to their causes of choice.

Suffolk Downs will host a pair of major fundraising events this year, the 19th Annual Hot Dog Safari, which benefits the Joey Fund and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and the Greater Boston Walk Now for Autism. The Hot Dog Safari will take place in conjunction with live racing on Sunday, June 1, while walkers will take to the track on an off day from racing, Sunday, October 19.

Promotional initiatives include the Fan Photo Experience allowing patrons to get their picture taken with an actual horse and jockey, Family Fun Days on Sundays and holidays from Memorial Day through Labor Day featuring a variety of family entertainment, a Guest Chef series featuring local culinary artists, and a Suffolk Downs folding chair giveaway on July 4th.

The track has also re-launched its website, www.suffolkdowns.com after it underwent a complete redesign in the off-season.

Suffolk Downs will open its 2008 racing season with a five percent increase in purses and an expanded stakes program, the track announced. Purses for all categories of races have been increased for the 103-day meet, which begins Saturday, May 3. It is the second straight year that purses have been increased at the historic East Boston oval.

The expanded stakes program includes the $500,000 Massachusetts Handicap, the $100,000 James B. Moseley Sprint Handicap, and seven $50,000 open stakes, five of which have been added to the program since last year. Purses for the two open stakes that were run in 2007 were $45,000.

"The purse increase and the new stakes reflect ownership's commitment to providing the best possible local racing for our fans and horsemen," said Suffolk Downs Chief Operating Officer Chip Tuttle.

The first stakes race of the year will be the Rudy Baez Stakes, a six-furlong sprint for three-year-olds and up to be contested on Memorial Day, May 26. The stakes schedule culminates on Saturday, September 20 with the $500,000 MassCap, which is now a qualifying race in the Breeders' Cup Challenge "Win and You're In Classic Division," as announced in February. The MassCap undercard features the $100,000 James B. Moseley Sprint Handicap, the $50,000 Drumtop Stakes and the inaugural $50,000 Robert M. O'Malley Memorial Stakes, named in honor of the track's longtime executive who died in 2007.

Four $50,000 stakes restricted to horses bred in the state of Massachusetts are also scheduled, beginning with the Rise Jim Stakes on June 14.

Purses for all maiden, claiming and allowance races were raised $300, brining the purses for $5,000 maiden claiming races and conditional $4,000 and $5,000 claimers up to $7,300. Maiden special weight races and top-level claiming races will carry purses of $17,300. Allowance purses will range from $11,800 at the starter level to $18,400 for first level allowances and $23,400 for top money allowances.

Under new ownership in 2007, total purses paid increased 12 percent from the previous year. Additionally, average daily attendance for the live racing meet was up 22 percent, while average daily handle on track for the live meet rose 14 percent.

Suffolk Downs is partnering with the Massachusetts State Lottery for its Daily Race Game, an existing Keno game featuring animated thoroughbred horse racing.

Suffolk Downs branding will appear in the Daily Race Game on the starting gate, the tote board, and in promotional messages between games.

Introduced in 2007, the Daily Race Game utilizes computer-generated races to produce the winning numbers for its games. Each race consists of 12 horses and offers win, place, show, exacta and trifecta wagering.

"We are excited to partner with the Lottery on this program," said Suffolk Downs Chief Operating Officer Chip Tuttle. "We know we share many customers with the Lottery and we look forward to reinforcing a positive connection between the Daily Race Game and Suffolk Downs."

Suffolk Downs currently ranks in the top five percent in sales among the state's 7,500 lottery agents.

"We are happy and proud to be teaming up with Suffolk Downs," Lottery Executive Director Mark Cavanagh said. "Suffolk Downs has been a preeminent venue for thoroughbred racing for more than 70 years. This will be a great partnership for the Race Game."

Race Winner Will Be Automatic Qualifier for Breeders' Cup Classic

The historic Massachusetts Handicap at Suffolk Downs will be one of five Classic Division races and one of 53 international stakes races in this year's Breeders' Cup Challenge, a series of automatic qualifiers for the Breeders' Cup World Championships, the Breeders' Cup and Suffolk Downs announced on Thursday, February 14.

The MassCap, which will carry a guaranteed purse of $500,000, joins four prestigious Grade I stakes - the Whitney Handicap (Saratoga), Pacific Classic (Del Mar), Jockey Club Gold Cup (Belmont Park) and Goodwood Stakes (Oak Tree at Santa Anita) - as qualifying races for the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic, the richest event of the two-day, 14-race, $25.5 million Breeders' Cup World Championships to be held October 24 and 25 at Oak Tree at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, CA.

In the Breeders' Cup Challenge "Win and You're In" format, the winners of the MassCap and the four other Classic Division races will automatically qualify for entry in the Breeders' Cup Classic.

"We are both honored and excited that the MassCap is part of the Breeders' Cup Challenge and to be included with such a prestigious group of races in the Classic Division," said Richard Fields, the largest shareholder of Suffolk Downs. "The MassCap has an illustrious past and its association with the Breeders' Cup Classic can only add to its strong tradition."

Two of the last 10 MassCap winners, Cigar and Skip Away, have gone on to win the Breeders' Cup Classic. A total of 11 starters from the last 10 MassCaps have proceeded to compete in the Breeders' Cup Classic in the same year. In addition to Cigar and Skip Away, the list includes Funny Cide, Macho Uno, Evening Attire, Include, Vision and Verse, Gander and Behrens.

The 66th MassCap will be run on Saturday, September 20, 2008, five weeks prior to the Breeders' Cup Classic. First run in 1935, the MassCap made a triumphant return in 2007 when new ownership brought it back after a two-year absence. Last year's race was won by Grade I winner Brass Hat.

"The MassCap is a key component of ownership's commitment to providing a first-class racing experience to the passionate sports fans in the Boston market," said Suffolk Downs Chief Operating Officer Chip Tuttle. "Being part of the Breeders' Cup Challenge certainly supports this vision."

Suffolk Downs has named long-time New England Thoroughbred racing official Sam Elliott to the position of Vice President of Racing and has promoted racing official Tom Creel to Racing Secretary, the track announced on Tuesday, February 12. In addition, Racing Secretary Jim Pambianchi has been named the track's Senior Director of Operations.

"Sam and Tom bring a wealth of experience and a clear understanding of our ownership's long-term commitment to improve thoroughbred racing," said Suffolk Downs Chief Operating Officer Chip Tuttle. "We want to continue the positive momentum of 2007 and feel confident with these recent appointed positions we will achieve our goal."

Elliott has been involved in New England racing in various capacities for over 20 years, most recently serving as a steward for the Massachusetts State Racing Commission at Suffolk Downs since 2006. Elliott was the Assistant Racing Secretary at Suffolk Downs from 1991-2004 and had previously been a racing official at Rockingham Park in Salem, NH. He is a graduate of the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program.

"I am excited by the new energy and enthusiasm which Richard Fields has brought to Suffolk Downs and I am eager to work with our horsemen on presenting a top quality racing program," said Elliott.

Creel was elevated to Racing Secretary after having been the track's Stakes Coordinator the last two years. Also a veteran of the local racing scene, Creel held the position of Racing Secretary at the Three County Fair in Northampton, MA from 2000-2004 and at the Brockton Fair in 2001. Creel's experience in the racing office at Suffolk Downs dates back to 1992. Prior to his promotion, Creel was a racing official at Tampa Bay Downs this winter.

"Having spent most of my professional career at Suffolk Downs, I'm thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the management team during this exciting time," said Creel. "I look forward to working with the team and our horsemen as we strive to enhance thoroughbred racing at Suffolk Downs."

Pambianchi moves into his new role after four years as Racing Secretary.

"Jim did commendable work running the racing operation under less than ideal circumstances during the uncertainty of 2005 and 2006," said Tuttle. "We're pleased to bring the benefit of his years in racetrack management to our overall operations."

Suffolk Downs is New England's preeminent thoroughbred racing venue. Founded in 1935, it has hosted Hall of Fame horses Seabiscuit, Whirlaway and Cigar, among others, and has been the site of performances by world-renowned entertainers, including the Beatles and Aerosmith.

The New England Turf Writers Association has selected its champions for 2007. The annual awards dinner will take place in the summer of 2008 during the live racing season at Suffolk Downs. The divisional champions and other award winners are:

2-year-old filly - Awesome Chic
2-year-old male - Beijing House
3-year-old filly - Musical Start
Robert M. O'Malley Memorial Award - 3-year-old male - What a Trippi
Older female - Nijinsky Bullet
Older male - De Roode
Turf female - Mommyums
Joseph E. Carney Memorial Award - Turf male - Canyon's Way
Sprinter - Blind River Fox
Cliff Sundberg Memorial Award - New England-bred - Ask Queenie
Special Achievement - David Amiss, Clifford Dooley, Brilliant Mrs. W, Milky Way Guy, President's Intern
Eli Chiat Memorial Award - Outstanding Jockey - Tammi Piermarini
Gerry Sullivan Memorial Award - Outstanding Trainer - Rafael Ramos
Lou Smith Memorial Award - Yearly Achievement - Richard Fields
Sam McCracken Memorial Award - Lifetime Achievement - Francis "Skip" McDonnell

Fields, who acquired a significant interest in Suffolk Downs in the spring of 2007, was recognized for leading a renewed commitment to thoroughbred racing at the East Boston oval, highlighted by the return of the Massachusetts Handicap last September after a two-year absence.

McDonnell has bred and owned numerous New England champions, including Cimarron Secret, Nana's Toy and Sandy Gator. McDonnell is a previous recipient of the Lou Smith Award, having earned that honor in 2001.

The winner of the James B. Moseley Award for Horse of the Year will be announced at the awards dinner. The NETWA's Hall of Fame Class of 2008 will be announced in the spring and will also be honored at the awards dinner.

Suffolk Downs posted significant increases in daily attendance and on-track live handle for its 2007 meet, which concluded on Saturday, November 10 and was highlighted by the return of the historic Massachusetts Handicap in September.

Average daily attendance for the 100-day live racing meet increased 22% from last year, from 2,687 to 3,288, while average daily handle on track was up 14%, from $107,385 to $122,702. Total purses paid went up 12% compared to last year, from $10.9 million to $12.2 million.

"We are encouraged by the increases in attendance and handle, as they reflect a reversal of recent trends," said Richard Fields, who purchased a significant interest in Suffolk Downs shortly before the meet began last spring. "We made a number of improvements this year to enhance the overall customer experience and it has made a difference. We are already moving forward with additional improvements for next year."

Some of this year's improvements were the creation of a trackside picnic area, the opening of a gift shop and an upgrade in the quality and quantity of televisions throughout the facility. Plans for next year include the introduction of a player rewards and loyalty program.

The meet started off with a record-setting day, as 17,459 fans came to the track on Saturday, May 5, Kentucky Derby Day, wagering $2.37 million, the highest total on-site handle in track history. The attendance figure was the largest Opening Day crowd since 1992, the year the track reopened after a two-year hiatus.

The 65th running of the MassCap on Saturday, September 22 attracted a crowd of 19,191, the largest attendance at the track since the 1996 MassCap won by the Hall of Fame team of Cigar, jockey Jerry Bailey and trainer William Mott. This year's $500,000 MassCap was won by Brass Hat, who was ridden by Willie Martinez for trainer Buff Bradley and owner Fred Bradley. The MassCap had not been held since 2004.

"Reviving the MassCap sent an important message to the horse racing fans of New England that we are committed to bringing the highest caliber of racing to Suffolk Downs," said Chip Tuttle, Chief Operating Officer of Suffolk Downs.

The track has made initiatives to attract more horsemen for next season, including improving the barn area and making efforts to strengthen the thoroughbred breeding industry in Massachusetts.

Already this year, Lycius and River Keen, two stallions who had been standing in New York State, have moved to Massachusetts for the 2008 breeding season.

Jockey Tammi Piermarini won the first riding title of her career and became just the third female jockey to win a meet title in the 73-year history of Suffolk Downs.

Piermarini amassed 100 wins from 584 mounts (17.1%) to finish 25 wins ahead of her nearest competitor, David Amiss. She joins Suzanne Kelly (1980) and Denise Boudrot (1974) as the only women ever to win riding titles at the East Boston oval.

"It really hasn't hit me yet," said Piermarini. "It's been a long time since a woman won a title here. It's an honor. If it weren't for women like Suzie and Denise, paving the road for people like me, I probably wouldn't be here. And this is home, which makes it even greater for me."

Piermarini, a Massachusetts native, missed most of the 2006 Suffolk Downs season while pregnant with her second child. After she and her husband John, who also serves as her agent, welcomed their son Johnny on September 15 of last year, she returned to riding just 45 days later and recorded 10 wins in seven racing days to close the meet.

John Rigattieri continued his reign atop the trainer standings, capturing his fourth consecutive title. Rigattieri saddled 64 winners from 242 starters (26.4%). Rafael Ramos was second with 48 wins.

Aurora Springs Stable earned its first leading owner crown with 38 wins, including three on the final day of the meet. Monarch Stables, Inc., last year's leading owner, was second with 30 wins.