News & Notes

As of February 1, we will be open for simulcasting six days a week: Monday, and Wednesday through Sunday. We will remain closed on Tuesdays until further notice. To view our complete daily simulcasting menu, click here. The daily simulcast schedule is also available by calling 617 568-3216 and selecting option 1.

As of Saturday, January 23, we have resumed simulcasting from Gulfstream, Santa Anita, Fairgrounds, Golden Gate, Laurel and Oaklawn after the MidAtlantic Cooperative, of which Suffolk Downs is a member, reached a new agreement with TrackNet Media Group, which negotiates the simulcasting rights for these and other tracks. We thank you for your patience and apologize for any inconvenience you may have experienced.

A trio of handicappers represented Suffolk Downs in the Daily Racing Form/NTRA National Handicapping Championship IX last Friday and Saturday at the Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa in Las Vegas.

Leading the Suffolk Downs group was Gerry Oberle (Revere, MA), finishing 43rd out of 302 contestants. Jamie Sultan finished in 45th place and Kim Leisey wound up in 54th.

Leisey and Sultan finished first and second, respectively, in a qualifying tournament at Suffolk Downs on August 8, 2009 to earn their trips to Las Vegas, while Oberle took top honors in a tournament on October 31 of last year to gain entry into the event.

Suffolk Downs will be celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2010. We are currently searching for photos, video footage and memorabilia from the construction and opening of the track in 1935. Additionally, we are trying to locate any of the 3,000 workers who helped build Suffolk Downs, as well as people who were here on the track’s first opening day as an employee, fan, horseman or otherwise.

If you or any of your friends and family members can help us with our search and would like to share your personal experiences at Suffolk Downs with us, please contact us at publicity@suffolkdowns.com or by calling 617 568-3222.

Thank you for your assistance and we look forward to celebrating our 75th anniversary with you.

The New England Turf Writers Association has selected its champions and award winners for the 2009 racing season. The annual awards dinner is scheduled to take place in July of 2010. The honorees are:

2-year-old filly – Oceans of Honey
2-year-old male – Lovethatdirtywater
3-year-old filly – Sassy City
Robert M. O’Malley Memorial Award – 3-year-old colt – Western Tease
Older female – Bill's Jewell
James R. Bishop Memorial Award - Older male – Riversrunrylee
Joseph E. Carney Memorial Award – Turf male – Dadsfourwheeldrive
Turf female - PJ's Lil Toni
Sprinter – Camacthmagnificent
Cliff Sundberg Memorial Award - New England-bred – Ask Queenie
Special Achievement – Giuseppe Iadisernia, Carlos Quinones
Eli Chiat Memorial Award – Outstanding Jockey – Orlando Bocachica
Gerry Sullivan Memorial Award – Outstanding Trainer – Rafael Ramos

The recipients of the Sam McCracken Memorial Award for lifetime contributions to New England racing and the Lou Smith Memorial Award for yearly achievement will be announced at a later date.

The winner of the James B. Moseley Award for Horse of the Year will be revealed at the awards dinner. The NETWA’s Hall of Fame Class of 2010 will be announced in the spring and will also be honored at the awards dinner.

The New England Turf Writers Association elected its officers for 2010 at their recent fall meeting.

Suffolk Downs racing analyst and publicist Jessica Paquette has been elected President after serving as Vice President the past two years. Paquette, 24, succeeds Christian Teja, Suffolk Downs Vice President of Marketing and Communications, who held the office since 2004. Teja will now serve as Vice President. Chip Bott, track photographer at Suffolk Downs, is the new Secretary/Treasurer.

Paquette, a lifelong Thoroughbred racing enthusiast and a native of Lowell, MA, was a member of the “Kids to the Cup” program as a teenager and joined the Suffolk Downs staff in 2006 as a track handicapper and publicist.

Francis “Skip” McDonnell, a longtime horse owner at Suffolk Downs, died Monday at the age of 74.

In 2007, McDonnell was named the recipient of the Sam McCracken Memorial Award for lifetime achievement in New England racing by the New England Turf Writers’ Association.

McDonnell bred and owned numerous New England champions, including Cimarron Secret, Nana’s Toy and Sandy Gator. McDonnell and trainer George Handy were jointly honored by the NETWA with the 2001 Lou Smith Award for yearly achievement in New England racing.

One of the region’s greatest supporters of Thoroughbred racing, McDonnell consistently brought quality racehorses from his farm in Florida to New England where he could go to the track and watch them run in person.

Visiting hours are from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Sunday, November 29 at the Gray Funeral Home, 24 Winnacunnet Rd., Hampton, MA 03842. Funeral mass on Monday, November 30 at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Theresa Church, 815 Central Rd., Rye Beach, NH 03871.

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) and Suffolk Downs, through the support of the Fields Family Foundation, have established a home for retired racehorses at the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Farm in Plymouth, MA, where inmates from the Plymouth County Correctional Facility will care for the horses as part of the facility’s extensive vocational program.

On Tuesday, November 10, four retired thoroughbreds from Suffolk Downs arrived at the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s Second Chances at Plymouth County Sheriff’s Farm, where they were brought to their new stalls in a barn renovated by inmates. They will be joined by additional retirees in the future.

“This facility is the perfect addition to our program with Suffolk Downs and our partnership with the Fields Family Foundation,” said Diana Pikulski, Executive Director of the TRF. “Now, the Suffolk horses can give back to the community in which they race. We are thrilled to have this new facility be here at the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Farm. The sheriff and all of his staff exude the very sentiments that make the TRF program work so well. This is about horses and people helping each other.”

Founded in 1982, the TRF’s mission is to save Thoroughbred horses no longer able to compete on the racetrack from possible neglect, abuse and slaughter. In pursuing this mission, the TRF has found an ancillary purpose to provide much needed and successful programs for incarcerated men, women and juveniles. This unique program began at the Wallkill Correctional Facility in New York and has been replicated at facilities in Kentucky, Florida, South Carolina, Iowa, Indiana, Virginia, Maryland and now Massachusetts.

“We are pleased and honored to be the first correctional agency in Massachusetts to participate in this worthy program,” said Plymouth County Sheriff Joseph D. McDonald, Jr. “This program is appropriately named as it will offer a true ‘second chance’ or new lease on life to both the retired Thoroughbred horses and our inmate trainees. To me, this is what our correctional mission is all about.”

The Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department operates the 90-acre Plymouth County Farm in Plymouth at the site of the old jail. The farm was placed in conservancy in October 2008 as a living reminder of Plymouth’s agricultural heritage. The farm has experienced a tremendous resurgence as a horticultural center and petting zoo under Sheriff McDonald, while at the same time serving as a vocational program for inmates housed at the Plymouth County Correctional Facility.

Led by principal owner and horse enthusiast Richard Fields, Suffolk Downs has demonstrated a commitment to the lifetime care of Thoroughbreds once their racing careers are over, becoming the first racetrack in the country to implement a strict anti-slaughter policy for owners and trainers with horses stabled on its grounds.

“The horses are the real stars of our great sport and they deserve to be taken care of appropriately when they are retired from racing,” said Fields. “I applaud both the TRF and the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department for their hard work and cooperation in making this day possible. I would also like to thank the Massachusetts State Racing Commission for its help in establishing this great partnership. It’s great to know that Suffolk Downs horses have a safe place to go right in their home state.”

The Fields Family Foundation, founded by Fields, provides support and resources to charitable organizations, focusing on the needs of children, law enforcement, medical research, and equine causes throughout the United States.

Orlando Bocachica captured the first riding title of his career, amassing 111 wins at Suffolk Downs over the course of the track's 101-day meet that concluded on Saturday, November 7.

Bocachica finished 16 wins ahead of last year's titleholder Winston Thompson. Bocachica won with 19% of his mounts for earnings of $996,684.

John Rigattieri continued his reign atop the trainer standings, earning his sixth consecutive title. Rigattieri saddled 58 winners from 261 starters (22%). Rafael Ramos was second with 50 wins.

Aurora Springs Stable was the leading owner for the second time in three years, making 30 appearances in the winner's circle.

Gerard Oberle of Revere, MA took top honors in the qualifying tournament held Saturday, October 31 at Suffolk Downs to earn a spot in the DRF/NTRA National Handicapping Championship, which will be held January 29-30, 2010 at Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa in Las Vegas.

Oberle, who also qualified for the 2004 national championship, finished with a total mythical bankroll of $125.90, besting Christopher Bogdanski of East Boston by a mere 50 cents. Oberle, who will turn 84 on November 27, witnessed both Seabiscuit's (1937) and Whirlaway's (1942) MassCap victories at the East Boston oval.

Prize money was determined by the number of entrants. The tournament drew 164 entrants from eight states. The entry fee was $60, creating a total pool of $9,840, all of which was returned to the players. The winner received 50 percent, while the runner-up got 20 percent.

Players were required to place mythical $2 win and place wagers on one horse in each of 15 pre-selected races from Suffolk Downs, Belmont Park, Keeneland and Oak Tree at Santa Anita. All selections had to be submitted prior to the first race of the tournament and there was no cap on prices.

Cash prizes were awarded to the top 10 finishers:

NAME, RESIDENCE - BANKROLL
1. Gerard Oberle, Revere, MA - $125.90
2. Christopher Bogdanski, East Boston, MA - $125.40
3. Jeff Kingsbury, Shrewsbury, MA - $124.40
4. David Small, Merrimac, MA - $121.40
5. James Carroll, Stoneham, MA - $114.70
6. John Mannarino, Tewksbury, MA - $111.00
7. Steve Wilcox, Hudson, NH - $101.60
8. James Wakely, Medfield, MA - $96.10
9. John D'Albenzio, Saugus, MA - $93.40
10. Kenny Timperley, Sanbornville, NH - $92.40

Oberle will join Kim Leisey of Nahant, MA and Jamie Sultan of Boston in representing Suffolk Downs at the National Championship. Leisey and Sultan qualified in a tournament held August 8.

Sundance Richie and Orlando Bocachica pulled off a front-running upset victory in Saturday's $30,000 Michel Lapensee Massachusetts Stallion Stakes, drawing off by 2 ¾ lengths and completing the mile and seventy-yard race in 1:44 2/5 over a fast track.

Trained by Edward Stone, the five-year-old son of Sundance Ridge earned his first win of the year and returned $29.20, 11.40 and 3.80. Southoftheborder, one of two fillies or mares in the field, closed for second and paid $6.00 and 2.40. Favored Gorgeous Silk returned $2.20.

The victory was the third consecutive win on the nine-race card for jockey Orlando Bocachica. In the sixth race, he guided Bandit Nailhead ($5.40) to the winners' circle and in the seventh race was aboard S.M.W. Kaitlyn ($5.60) for a four-length score.

Bocachica currently tops the jockey standings with 108 wins for the season.

Thousands of walkers – including individuals with autism, their families and friends – joined together at Suffolk Downs on Sunday, October 18 to raise much-needed funds for critical scientific research and to increase autism awareness at the 9th Annual Greater Boston Walk Now For Autism.

Walkers braved cold temperatures, strong winds and a driving rain as they circled the one-mile racetrack that surely would have been classified as sloppy if it were a racing day. The event also included a family resource fair and various forms of family entertainment, including live music, games and other activities for kids.

All proceeds from the event benefit Autism Speaks, the nation’s leading autism advocacy organization. Established in 2000, the Autism Speaks Walk Now for Autism events are the signature fundraising events for Autism Speaks and have attracted hundreds of thousands of walkers worldwide who have raised tens of millions of dollars for autism research. Suffolk Downs has hosted the Greater Boston walk since 2007.

Autism is a complex brain disorder that inhibits a person’s ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by extreme behavioral challenges. Another child is diagnosed every 20 minutes.

Full siblings Mount Wilton and East Coaster won consecutive races on Wednesday. Both horses are by Graeme Hall out of the Our Emblem mare Eastlynne and were bred in Florida by Eugene Melnyk.

In the sixth race, Mount Wilton earned his first local victory with a two-and-three-quarter length triumph. Ridden by Carlos Quinones and trained by John Rigattieri, the five-year-old gelding returned $9.80, 4.80 and 3.80.

East Coaster followed that up in the seventh race with a two-length score under Yamil Rosario. It was the four-year-old filly's seventh local victory for New England Hall of Fame trainer George Handy. East Coaster paid $9.40, 4.20 and 3.40.

The Graeme Hall victory parade continued in the eighth when Gramatic ($5.40) rolled to an authoritative win. Gramatic is a three-year-old daughter of Formatic and was ridden by Orlando Bocachica for trainer Charles Assimakopoulos.

Riversrunrylee made every call a winning one with a 1 ¼ length triumph in Monday's Rudy Baez Stakes at Suffolk Downs, completing the mile and seventy yard race in 1:41 2/5 over a fast track and holding off a determined late charge from Delosvientos.

Trained by Juan Camilo and ridden by Pedro Gonzalez, the five-year-old gelded son of Outflanker earned his fourth win of the year and second local victory of the season.

"I know this horse very well," said Gonzalez. "I knew the other horse was coming but I knew I had plenty of horse."

Riversrunrylee returned $7.40, 3.20 and 2.40. Favored Delosvientos, winner of the GII Brooklyn Handicap in 2008, closed gamely for second despite a slow start and paid $3.20 and 2.60. Targe returned $2.40.

Also on the card, jockey Carlos Quinones rode three winners on the nine race card.

He began the day with a 7-½-length victory aboard the favored Strong N Silent ($3.60) in the fourth race. He was back in the winner's circle in the fifth race with Moonlit Getaway ($5.00) and capped off the day with a win aboard Zavata's Trick ($5.40) in the seventh.

Additionally, trainer Robert Raymond celebrated the 1000th win of his career with longshot Bea Precise ($27.00) in the Monday opener.

Same Day Pleasure earned the third stakes win of his career with a 7½ length triumph in the $50,000 John Kirby Stakes Saturday at Suffolk Downs for Massachusetts-bred three-year-olds, completing the mile and seventy yard race in 1:45 3/5 over a fast track.

Ridden by David Amiss for trainer Lloyd Lockhart, the three-year-old chestnut son of Senor Conquistador broke sharply and relaxed on the lead before drawing off comfortably in the stretch.

"I benefited from a lack of pace and my horse was able to post reasonable fractions," said Amiss. "He has now won his last two races by open margins and continues to improve."

Sent off as the 4-5 favorite, Same Day Pleasure returned $3.40, 2.20 and 2.20. Tally's Sundance, one of three fillies in the race, paid $3.40 and 2.20. In My Chamber returned $2.20.

Veteran New England jockey Winston Thompson recorded the 3,000th win of his career, guiding African Angel ($17.20) to victory in Monday's eighth race at Suffolk Downs.

Thompson has been a regular competitor at Suffolk Downs since bringing his tack to the United States from his native Jamaica in 1987, earning most outstanding jockey honors in New England in 2004, 2005 and 2008.

"To reach 3,000 means a lot, and it means a lot to do it at Suffolk Downs," said a jubilant Thompson. "All of the people here have helped me get here. I've been riding with them since 1987 and it is like one big family here."

Thompson, 45, captured his fourth Suffolk Downs riding title in five years in 2008 and stands in second place with 68 wins so far this year, 14 behind Orlando Bocachica. Nearly two-thirds of his career wins (1,913) have been at the East Boston oval.

“My body still feels good,” added Thompson. “I got on 14 horses this morning.”

One of the most memorable days of Thompson’s career is June 18, 2005, when he won six races on the Suffolk Downs program, including the $50,000 Old Ironsides Stakes aboard Miesque’s Approval, who would go on to win the Breeders’ Cup Mile and Eclipse Award for top turf male in 2006.

His biggest stakes victory came aboard locally-based 37-to-1 longshot King Roller in the $250,000 James B. Moseley Breeders’ Cup Handicap on the Massachusetts Handicap undercard on June 3, 2000.

Former Boston Police Commissioner Paul Evans has joined Suffolk Downs as a consultant on public safety and compliance policies, the thoroughbred track announced Wednesday, September 23. Evans, who served as Commissioner of the Boston Police Department from 1993-2003, is advising the East Boston track as it assesses future business development options.

"Over the last few years, we have placed greater emphasis on issues of integrity, public safety and regulatory compliance," said Suffolk Downs Chief Operating Officer Chip Tuttle. "We identified Paul as someone whose vast expertise in these areas will be beneficial as we not only look at our existing operations but as we contemplate possible development and expansion opportunities."

After leaving his post at the Boston Police Department in 2003, Evans went to work for the Government of the United Kingdom as the Director of the Police and Crime Standards Directorate in London, where he formulated response and monitoring policies for 43 police agencies in England and Wales. Evans held this position until 2007 before returning to the U.S. and beginning an international consulting practice

“Suffolk Downs has demonstrated a commitment to being a trusted community partner and I look forward to assisting the track in evaluating and implementing policies that will maintain its integrity and ensure public safety at the site itself and in its surrounding communities,” said Evans.

During Evans’ service as Commissioner of the Boston Police, violent crime and homicide rates dropped dramatically as he implemented innovative neighborhood programs and crime prevention policies that were widely emulated across the country. Surveys showed a 50 percent increase in feelings of safety among Boston residents during his tenure.

Evans began his career in law enforcement in 1970 as a patrol officer in the Boston Police Department after three years of service in the United States Marine Corps. A Vietnam veteran, Evans is a graduate of Boston State College and Suffolk University Law School.

Active in the community, Evans has served on the Board of Directors of the YMCA of Greater Boston, Pine Street Inn, Boston Police Athletic League, and Police Executive Research Forum.

Same Day Pleasure earned the second stakes win of his career with a 6 ½ length triumph in the $50,000 African Prince Stakes Saturday at Suffolk Downs for Massachusetts-bred three-year-olds, completing six furlongs in 1:13 3/5 over a sloppy track.

Ridden by David Amiss for trainer Lloyd Lockhart, the three-year-old chestnut son of Senor Conquistador broke sharply and dueled with In My Chamber for the lead before drawing off comfortably.

"My horse was much the best today, " said Amiss. "He is maturing into a very nice horse with a bright future."

Sent off as the 1-5 favorite, Same Day Pleasure returned $2.60, 2.20 and 2.20. Tally's Sundance, one of three fillies in the field, closed for second and paid $2.60 and 2.20. In My Chamber returned $2.60.

Classic R&B recording artist Kool & The Gang delighted the jubilant crowd at Suffolk Downs on Saturday, August 22 with a 90-minute collection of the band’s greatest hits at the track’s “Commitment to Community” concert.

The concert was the culmination of the track’s 2009 “Commitment to Community” program celebrating individuals and organizations that make a positive difference in eight surrounding communities. Over the course of the summer, the track dedicated a Saturday to each community: Everett (June 13), Chelsea (June 20), Salem (July 11), Lynn (July 18), Winthrop (July 25), Revere (August 1), Saugus (August 8) and East Boston (August 22). All ticket sales for the show benefited organizations in the eight cities and towns recognized in the program. Organizations were given tickets to sell for their own fundraising purposes.

Kool & The Gang energized the enthusiastic crowd with favorites Ladies Night, Get Down On It, and Jungle Boogie, and showed its versatility with softer, romantic hits Joanna and Cherish. In keeping with the “Commitment to Community” theme of celebrating surrounding cities and towns, the performance was punctuated by a resounding rendition of the band’s all-time classic Celebration.

Special opening act was The Diversity Band representing ZUMIX of East Boston. ZUMIX is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) cultural organization dedicated to building community through music and the arts. The concert followed a full card of live racing.

Suffolk Downs boasts a rich musical history, which includes the final Boston-area appearance by the Beatles in 1966, performances by Aerosmith and the Jackson 5 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.

Tally's Sundance earned the first victory of her career with a 14 ½ length triumph in Saturday's $50,000 Louise Kimball Stakes for Massachusetts-bred three-year-old fillies, completing six furlongs in 1:13 1/5 over a fast track.

Ridden by Clifford Dooley and trained by Wayne Marcoux, the three-year-old daughter of Sundance Ridge returned $2.60, 2.20 and 2.20. Longshot Upper Key paid $4.80 and 2.40 while Call Me Blondie returned $2.20.

Kim Leisey of Nahant, MA took top honors in the qualifying tournament held Saturday, August 8 at Suffolk Downs to earn a spot in the DRF/NTRA National Handicapping Championship.

Leisey finished with a total mythical bankroll of $140.20, besting Jamie Sultan of Boston, MA by $15.10. By virtue of his second place finish, Beaton qualified for the National Championship as well.

Leisey and Sultan will compete against handicappers from around the country January 29-30, 2010 at Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa in Las Vegas.

The tournament drew 129 entrants from 10 states. 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.

Cash prizes were awarded to the top 10 finishers:

NAME, RESIDENCE - BANKROLL
1. Kim Leisey, Nahant, MA - $140.20
2. Jamie Sultan, Boston, MA - $125.10
3. Victor Attai, Nashua, NH - $120.00
4. Douglas Saunders, Millis, MA - $109.00
5. Jeff Kingsbury, Westborough, MA - $107.20
6. Vicki Ryan, Smithfield, RI - $107.10
7. Ray Garnett, South Paris, ME - $106.20
8. Kevin Blair, Lynn, MA - $103.40
9. Frank Zambello, Malden, MA - $102.40
10. Jeff Brown, Needham, MA - $101.60

A second qualifying tournament at Suffolk Downs will be held Saturday, October 31. One spot in the NHC will be at stake.

Apprentice jockey Robert Serrano, a 28-year-old Long Island native, won the first race of his career in Wednesday's second race with a five-length victory aboard Sunday Worship.

Serrano, a graduate of Central Florida Community College, rode in 2002 and 2003 before taking time off to attend police academy.

"I can't even describe what it feels like, " Serrano said. "So much hard work went into this and it finally pays off."

Sunday Worship, a three-year-old son of Friends Lake trained by Keith Sargent, returned $3.60, 2.40 and 2.20.

Southoftheborder made a strong move on the rail and drew away to a 5-¾ length upset victory in Saturday's $50,000 First Episode Stakes at Suffolk Downs.

Ridden by David Amiss for owner and trainer Lloyd Lockhart, the six-year-old Massachusetts-bred daughter of Senor Conquistador earned her first victory since 2007 and her first career stakes win.

Multiple New England champion Ask Queenie was third, a head behind front-runner Lily's Goldmine. There was $101,883 in the place pool of the race - $100,000 of which was bet on Ask Queenie. Southoftheborder returned $7.60 to win and $26.00 to place. Lily's Goldmine paid $52.00. There was no show wagering.

Southoftheborder made a strong move on the rail and drew away to a 5-¾ length upset victory in Saturday's $50,000 First Episode Stakes at Suffolk Downs as the track celebrated “Saugus Day,” the seventh of eight “Commitment to Community” days honoring individuals and organizations that make a positive difference in eight area cities and towns.

Ridden by David Amiss for owner and trainer Lloyd Lockhart, the six-year-old Massachusetts-bred daughter of Senor Conquistador earned her first victory since 2007 and her first career stakes win. Lily's Goldmine was second, a head in front of multiple New England champion Ask Queenie.

Southoftheborder returned $7.60 to win and $26.00 to place, while Lily's Goldmine paid $52.00 in second. There was no show wagering in this state-bred stakes race. The large place payouts were the result of heavy place wagering on 2-to-5 favorite Ask Queenie, who has dominated the Mass-bred stakes program for the last five years.

Saugus-based national recording artist Thirteen Yards to Victory performed the national anthem prior to the start of racing.

The following Saugus organizations were recognized in the track’s “Community Winner’s Circle”: Cpl. Scott J. Procopio Memorial Scholarship Fund, Saugus Youth and Recreation Commission, Saugus Public Library, Saugus Council on Aging and Saugus Youth Hockey.

The “Community Winner’s Circle” was established last year by Suffolk Downs in a continuation of the track’s long-standing community outreach program. Each “Community Winner’s Circle” honoree is recognized by the track in a post-race winner’s circle ceremony and with a contribution to their cause.

The final “Commitment to Community” day at Suffolk Downs this summer will be East Boston Day on Saturday, August 22. The day will be capped off by a performance by renowned R&B artist Kool & The Gang. Tickets for the concert are $10 each with all sales to benefit local organizations. Tickets may be purchased directly from any of the five Saugus Day “Community Winner’s Circle” honorees. Special first race post time is 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 22. The concert will start at 7:30 p.m.

The other cities and towns that have been celebrated at Suffolk Downs this season are Everett (June 13), Chelsea (June 20), Salem (July 11), Lynn (July 18) and Winthrop (July 25) and Revere (August 1).

Onwingsandaprayer and jockey Orlando Bocachica rated just off the front-runners and drew off to a 3 1/4 length victory in Saturday's featured race, the City of Revere Classic, as the track celebrated “Revere Day,” the sixth of eight “Commitment to Community” days honoring individuals and organizations that make a positive difference in eight area cities and towns.

Trained by Ernest Poxon, Jr., the four-year-old daughter of Wild Event earned her third win of the year, completing the five furlong contest in :59 3/5 over a fast track and returning $4.20, 2.40 and 2.20. Front-runner Little Tara held on for second and paid $3.20 and 2.20. Lulu's Secret returned $3.00.

Abigail Shaughnessy, a lifelong Revere resident, performed the national anthem prior to the start of racing. Shaughnessy is entering her senior year at Boston College, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing.

The following Revere organizations were recognized in the track’s “Community Winner’s Circle”: Revere Beach Partnership, Revere Beautification Committee, Revere Society for Cultural & Historical Preservation, Revere League for Special Needs, Revere Public Library, Revere 1st and CRW Elder Services.

The “Community Winner’s Circle” was established last year by Suffolk Downs in a continuation of the track’s long-standing community outreach program. Each “Community Winner’s Circle” honoree is recognized by the track in a post-race winner’s circle ceremony and with a contribution to their cause.

There are two other “Commitment to Community” days remaining at Suffolk Downs this summer: Saugus (August 8) and East Boston (August 22). East Boston Day will be capped off by a performance by renowned R&B artist Kool & The Gang. Tickets for the concert are $10 each with all sales to benefit local organizations. Tickets may be purchased directly from any of the seven Revere Day “Community Winner’s Circle” honorees. Special first race post time is 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 22. The concert will start at 7:30 p.m.

The other cities and towns that have been celebrated at Suffolk Downs this season are Everett (June 13), Chelsea (June 20), Salem (July 11), Lynn (July 18) and Winthrop (July 25).

Jockey Orlando Bocachica rode three winners on Saturday's nine-race card at Suffolk Downs as the track celebrated “Winthrop Day,” the fifth of eight “Commitment to Community” days honoring individuals and organizations that make a positive difference in eight area cities and towns.

Bocachica began his triple in the third race with a front-running victory aboard favored Bold Ballado ($3.80). In the sixth race, he guided Jackie Lad ($6.20) to a 13 ¾ length score and followed that up with an 8 ¼ length win aboard Email ($6.60) in the seventh. He currently tops the jockey standings with 45 wins. It was his second consecutive three-win day.

Prior to the day’s first race, nine-year-old Winthrop resident McKayla Norris sang the national anthem. Norris will be entering the fourth grade at the Cummings School.

The following Winthrop organizations were recognized in the track’s “Community Winner’s Circle”: Viking Pride Foundation, Winthrop Parks & Recreation Department, Friends of Winthrop Council on Aging, Winthrop CASA, WINARC and Winthrop Community Access Television.

The “Community Winner’s Circle” was established last year by Suffolk Downs in a continuation of the track’s long-standing community outreach program. Each “Community Winner’s Circle” honoree is recognized by the track in a post-race winner’s circle ceremony and with a contribution to their cause.

Winthrop resident Anthony Atkins was recognized as Suffolk Downs Employee of the Month for May. Atkins is a member of the AlliedBarton security team at the track. He joined the security staff as an officer two years ago and quickly earned a promotion to supervisor. A dedicated and disciplined employee, Atkins is an accomplished supervisor who is respected by patrons, his colleagues, and the entire Suffolk Downs community.

The Winthrop Jam Band delighted the crowd with a wide assortment of classic rock hits. Founded in March of 2008 by director Rob Mahoney, the Jam Band consists entirely of children from Winthrop. Band members include lead singer Meg Dolan, guitarists Jacob Lloyd, Sean Egan and Brian Manning, drummer Gerry Driscoll, electronic pianists Forrest Eimold and Abby Lloyd, bass guitarist and drummer Dan Manning, and saxophonist and percussionist Charlie Gosselin. Michael Mahoney and Walter Egan are the sound engineers.

There are three “Commitment to Community” days remaining at Suffolk Downs this summer: Revere (August 1), Saugus (August 8) and East Boston (August 22). East Boston Day will be capped off by a performance by renowned R&B artist Kool & The Gang. Tickets for the concert are $10 each with all sales to benefit local organizations. Tickets may be purchased directly from any of the six Winthrop Day “Community Winner’s Circle” honorees. Special first race post time is 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 22. The concert will start at 7:30 p.m.

Ask Queenie earned her twenty-fifth career victory with a 1 ½ length score in Saturday's $50,000 Last Dance Stakes, completing the mile and seventy yard contest in 1:44 3/5.

Ridden by Josue Marcano for trainer Lori Lockhart, the eight-year-old daughter of Key Contender recorded the eighteenth state-bred stakes win of her 55-race career. It is her second win in the Last Dance Stakes, having also captured it in 2006.

Ask Queenie returned $8.60, 6.00 and 5.40. Wheely, second in the Rise Jim Stakes on June 27, paid $9.00 and $11.00. Pace-setter Fifty Seven G held on for third and returned $17.20.

Ask Queenie earned the twenty-fifth victory of her stellar career with a 1 ½ length score in Saturday's $50,000 Last Dance Stakes at Suffolk Downs as the track celebrated “Lynn Day,” the fourth of eight “Commitment to Community” days honoring individuals and organizations that make a positive difference in eight area cities and towns.

Ridden by Josue Marcano for trainer Lori Lockhart, Ask Queenie recorded the eighteenth state-bred stakes win of her 55-race career. It is her second win in the Last Dance Stakes, having also captured it in 2006.

Prior to the day’s first race, Rachel Dunnigan, a 2009 graduate of Lynn Classical High School, sang the national anthem as the award winning Lynn English High School ROTC honor guard presented the colors.

Lynn resident Cecilia Bermudez was recognized as the Suffolk Downs Employee of the Month for June. Bermudez has been a dedicated, honest and hard-working employee of AMB/OneSource, the track’s housekeeping service, since 1993. She has been a resident of Lynn for the past eight years, raising her three sons.

The following Lynn organizations were recognized in the track’s “Community Winner’s Circle”: Girls Inc. of Lynn, Lynn Housing Authority & Neighborhood Development, Greater Lynn YMCA, Lynn Parks and Recreation Department, Boys & Girls Club of Lynn and the Ancient Order of Hibernians of Lynn.

The “Community Winner’s Circle” was established last year by Suffolk Downs in a continuation of the track’s long-standing community outreach program. Each “Community Winner’s Circle” honoree is recognized by the track in a post-race winner’s circle ceremony and with a contribution to their cause.

"We are thrilled to be a part of Suffolk Downs’ community outreach with Lynn Day,” said Mayor Chip Clancy, who was in attendance and presented a trophy to the winning connections of race seven, the City of Lynn Classic. “It was a fun-filled day for families and also a chance to give back to our community organizations."

The remaining schedule of “Commitment to Community” days at Suffolk Downs is as follows: Winthrop (July 25), Revere (August 1), Saugus (August 8) and East Boston (August 22).

Classic R&B recording artist Kool & The Gang, whose prolific resume of hits includes party favorites Celebration, Ladies Night and Get Down On It, will be performing live at Suffolk Downs at the track’s “Commitment to Community” concert on Saturday, August 22, which is also “East Boston Day.”

The concert is the culmination of the track’s 2009 “Commitment to Community” program which celebrates individuals and organizations that make a positive difference in eight surrounding communities: East Boston, Revere, Winthrop, Chelsea, Everett, Lynn, Saugus and Salem. Each of these cities and towns is being recognized with its own day at the track this summer.

Tickets for the show are $10, with all sales to benefit charitable organizations in the eight cities and towns that are being recognized in the “Commitment to Community” program. These organizations will be given tickets in advance to sell for their own fundraising purposes. Proceeds from walk-up ticket sales will also be allocated to charitable organizations.

Kool & The Gang’s performance will follow an afternoon of live racing. Special first post time will be 3:00 p.m. with the concert slated for 7:30 p.m. In addition to a full card of racing, the track will provide free family entertainment, including pony rides, carnival games, face painting and a balloon artist. Patrons can have their picture taken with a racehorse and jockey at the track’s “Fan Photo Experience.” Oldies 103.3 FM in Boston will be broadcasting live from the track throughout the day.

Kool & The Gang has sold over 70 million albums worldwide and influenced the music of three generations. They have earned two Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards, 25 Top Ten R&B hits, nine Top Ten Pop hits, and 31 gold and platinum albums. Kool & The Gang has performed continuously for the past 35 years, longer than any R&B group in history. Additional hits include Jungle Boogie, Fresh, Too Hot, Joanna and Cherish.

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.

The entire schedule of “Commitment to Community” days at Suffolk Downs is as follows: Everett (June 13), Chelsea (June 20), Salem (July 11), Lynn (July 18), Winthrop (July 25), Revere (August 1), Saugus (August 8) and East Boston (August 22).

Fox 25 sports anchor Butch Stearns recently visited Suffolk Downs with the hopes of fulfilling his lifelong dream of riding a racehorse. Watch and find out if his dream came true.

Nijinsky Bulllet, a four-time winner at Suffolk Downs last year, was named the recipient of the 2008 James B. Moseley Horse of the Year Award by the New England Turf Writers Association at its 67th Annual Awards Dinner held this evening at the Danversport Yacht Club in Danvers, MA.

Owned by Aurora Springs Stable and trained by Rafael Ramos, Nijinsky Bullet was the reigning champion older mare from 2007.

In her first start of the 2008 season, Nijinsky Bullet rolled to an easy victory over a quality group of mares, including multiple New England champions Ask Queenie and Flirt for Fame. She was a game runner up to 2008 champion older male, Southern Rainbow, in her next start. After a mediocre effort on the turf, she was back on the main track in stakes company in the $50,000 My Fair Lady Stakes. She battled gamely to prevail by a nose over a muddy racetrack that day. Runner up Salty Response was 15 ¼ lengths clear of the rest of the field. She was victorious in her next two starts and had a resounding win over males in August. She went on to have a successful winter campaign in New York, which included a runner-up finish against stakes company. Nijinsky Bullet is stabled at Suffolk Downs again this year and won her return to the races on opening day.

Nijinsky Bullet had previously been named top older female and champion sprinter, while Ramos was awarded the Gerry Sullivan Memorial Award for outstanding trainer for the second consecutive year.

Other divisional winners honored at the awards dinner were:

2-year-old filly – Snow Down
2-year-old male – Mr. Jolson
3-year-old filly – Shorty Puffs
Robert M. O’Malley Memorial Award – 3-year-old colt – Hold On Smokey
Older female – Nijinsky Bullet
Older male – Southern Rainbow
Joseph E. Carney Memorial Award – Turf – Gator’s Tracks
Sprinter – Nijinsky Bullet
Cliff Sundberg Memorial Award - New England-bred – Flirt for Fame
Special Achievement – Donald Kielty, Little Tara
Eli Chiat Memorial Award – Outstanding Jockey – Winston Thompson
Gerry Sullivan Memorial Award – Outstanding Trainer – Rafael Ramos

Lou Smith Memorial Award – Yearly Achievement – Lorita Lindemann Sam McCracken Memorial Award – Lifetime Achievement – Edward “Ned” Allard

The New England Turf Writers Association also inducted its Hall of Fame Class of 2009, which consists of Allard, Seabiscuit, jockey Chris McCarron, owner and breeder Gil Campbell and reporter and handicapper Dave Wilson. 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.

Jockey Carlos Quinones won three-races on Saturday's nine race card at Suffolk Downs as the East Boston oval celebrated “Salem Day,” the third of eight “Commitment to Community” days celebrating individuals and organizations that make a positive difference in eight area cities and towns.

Quinones started out his day with a front-running score aboard Marivett ($5.80) in the opener. He then guided Swing Music ($7.80) to an off-the-pace victory in the sixth race. Quinones captured the featured eighth race, a turf allowance, aboard Goodness Greatness (8.20).

Quinones, a 23-year-old native of Puerto Rico, is in his first season of competition at Suffolk Downs. He is currently third in the jockey standings with 27 wins.

Prior to the day’s first race, Alex Grover, a lifelong resident of Salem, sang the national anthem as the Salem Veterans Council honor guard presented the colors. Grover is a 2009 graduate of Wheaton College in Norton, MA, where he majored in music. The 2005 Salem High School graduate will be pursuing a masters in music education at Boston University in the fall.

The following Salem organizations were recognized in the track’s “Community Winner’s Circle”: Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem, Foundation for Salem Public Education, Parents United of Salem, St. Joseph’s Food Pantry and Salem YMCA.

The “Community Winner’s Circle” was established last year by Suffolk Downs in a continuation of the track’s long-standing community outreach program. Each “Community Winner’s Circle” honoree is recognized by the track in a post-race winner’s circle ceremony and with a contribution to their cause.

Parking and admission were free for Salem residents. In addition to a full card of live racing, the track provided free family entertainment, including pony rides, carnival games, face painting and a balloon artist, at its outdoor tent, picnic area and playground. All in attendance had the opportunity to have their picture taken with a racehorse and jockey at the track’s “Fan Photo Experience.”

The remaining schedule of “Commitment to Community” days at Suffolk Downs is as follows: Lynn (July 18), Winthrop (July 25), Revere (August 1), Saugus (August 8) and East Boston (August 22).

Ask Queenie rolled to an easy 5 ½ length victory in Saturday's $50,000 Isadorable Stakes for Massachusetts-bred fillies and mares, completing the six furlong race in 1:12 1/5 before an Independence Day crowd of 5,882.

Ridden by Dyn Panell for trainer Lori Lockhart, the eight-year-old daughter of Key Contender recorded the 17th state-bred stakes win of her 54-race career. It is her fourth win in the Isadorable, having captured it from 2005-2007 before finishing third a year ago.

"Once I hit the lead, I knew the race was over," said Panell. "I didn't even need to use the whip on her. She always runs good for me."

Ask Queenie, sent off as the even money favorite, returned $4.00 and 3.00. Southoftheborder closed well for second and paid $3.20. There was no show wagering.

No More Goodbyes rolled through the fog to take the $50,000 Rise Jim Stakes for Massachusetts-breds by 7 ¼ lengths, completing six furlongs in 1:11 1/5 over a fast racetrack.

Ridden by Yamil Rosario for trainer Brenda McCarthy, the four-year-old son of More Than Ready earned his third consecutive win of the year to remain undefeated for the season.

"He did not break too sharp today," said Rosario. "I was under pressure until the half mile pole, but he was simply much the best today."

No More Goodbyes returned $3.20, 2.20 and 2.20. Wheely prevailed in a four-horse battle for the place position and paid $18.00 and 14.60. Episode on Tour returned $4.40 to show.

Jockey David Amiss rode three winners on Saturday's nine-race card at Suffolk Downs as the East Boston racetrack celebrated “Chelsea Day.”

Amiss started his triple with a three-length win aboard the heavily favored Put it Back Opie ($2.80) in the first race. In the third, he went gate-to-wire with Brogue ($5.20). In the ninth and final race of the afternoon, Amiss guided Western Scandal ($4.80) to a 16-¼ length triumph.

Prior to the day’s first race, Terrell James, a junior at Chelsea High School, sang the national anthem as the Chelsea Soldiers’ Home Honor Guard presented the colors. James has been a member of the Boston Children’s Chorus for four years and is currently taking part in the Berklee School of Music Mentoring Program.

The following Chelsea organizations were recognized in the track’s “Community Winner’s Circle”: the Chelsea Council on Elder Affairs, Chelsea Soldiers’ Home, Chelsea Hunger Network, Charcoll - Chelsea Artists’ Collaborative, Jordan Boys & Girls Club, Chelsea Pride Football and North Shore Young Marines.

The “Community Winner’s Circle” was established last year by Suffolk Downs in a continuation of the track’s long-standing community outreach program. Each “Community Winner’s Circle” honoree is recognized by the track in a post-race winner’s circle ceremony and with a contribution to their cause.

“We are grateful to Suffolk Downs for helping us to recognize the champions in our community,” said Chelsea City Manger Jay Ash, who was on hand to participate in the day’s festivities. “Like every race at Suffolk Downs, we have winners who should be hailed for their efforts.”

Additional beneficiaries of the Chelsea Day activities were Interact of Chelsea H.S. and Chelsea Green Space.

Parking and admission were free for Chelsea residents. In addition to a full card of live racing, the track provided free family entertainment, including pony rides, carnival games, face painting and a balloon artist, at its outdoor tent, picnic area and playground. All in attendance had the opportunity to have their picture taken with a racehorse and jockey at the track’s “Fan Photo Experience.”

The remaining schedule of “Commitment to Community” days at Suffolk Downs is as follows: Salem (July 11), Lynn (July 18), Winthrop (July 25), Revere (August 1), Saugus (August 8) and East Boston (August 22). Everett Day was celebrated on June 13.

Suffolk Downs will not conduct the Massachusetts Handicap in 2009 due to current economic conditions, track officials announced today.

"It's a difficult decision because it means so much to the loyal racing fans of New England and to everyone at the track, but our partnership does not think we can responsibly incur the expense of the MassCap when we are fighting to save jobs and maintain current purse levels for the horsemen who are here every day," said Richard Fields, Suffolk Downs’ principal shareholder. "Like so many businesses and families in the Boston area and throughout the country that are tightening their belts to weather the current economic storm, we have also been forced to make some difficult choices. We hope this is a temporary setback and that the local fans will continue to support our efforts to enhance racing in Massachusetts."

“We are disappointed that there will be no MassCap this year but Suffolk Downs’ ownership raised purse levels in 2007 and has been working hard to maintain them and to support our horsemen and local farms despite tough economic conditions,” said Al Balestra, president of the New England Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association.

The MassCap was run every year from the track's inaugural season in 1935 until it closed in 1989. After the track re-opened in 1992, the MassCap did not return until the 1995 season. It was suspended in 2003, 2005 and 2006.

The New England Turf Writers Association has elected its Hall of Fame class of 2009, which will be honored along with the 2008 NETWA award winners at the organization’s 67th Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday, July 16 at the Danversport Yacht Club in Danvers, MA.

The class consists of champion Seabiscuit, jockey Chris McCarron, trainer Edward “Ned” Allard, owner and breeder Gil Campbell and reporter and handicapper Dave Wilson. The Hall of Fame was founded in 2005.

Seabiscuit was a regular on the New England racing circuit prior to becoming a national icon, having competed at Suffolk Downs and Agawam (MA), Narragansett (RI) and Rockingham (NH) Parks. He made 22 total starts in New England, including 14 as a two-year-old, winning twice at both Suffolk Downs and Narragansett and once at Agawam. Seabiscuit returned to New England in 1937 to win the Massachusetts Handicap with jockey Red Pollard.

McCarron retired in 2002 as one of the most decorated jockeys in the history of thoroughbred racing. His career purse earnings of over $264,000,000 were at the time the most ever posted by a rider and he is one of just seven jockeys to have won more than 7,000 races. McCarron grew up in Dorchester, MA and his introduction to thoroughbred racing began on the backsides of both Suffolk Downs and Rockingham Park. McCarron won the Eclipse Award as Champion Apprentice Jockey in 1974 and as a journeyman in 1980. He won the MassCap, Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes each on two occasions; in addition, he won nine Breeders’ Cup races, including five victories in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. His MassCap victory aboard Waquoit in 1987 is one of the most historic moments in New England racing history.

Allard began his training career in 1970 at Lincoln Downs and became one of the leading trainers in New England for the next two decades. Allard gained national attention in 1985, conditioning Eclipse Award-winning filly Mom’s Command for New England Racing Hall of Famer Peter Fuller. Since moving out of the region, Allard has continued to support New England racing, shipping his horses in on a regular basis. In 2008, he won the Mom’s Command Stakes at Suffolk Downs with Anofficerandalady. Over the course of his career, Allard has amassed approximately 2,600 wins, including 175 stakes, nearly half of which were at New England tracks.

Campbell, a prominent local real estate developer, bought an interest in his first horse, Shananie, who he co-owned with Fuller. Shananie went on to become a stakes winner on both coasts, but enjoyed a lot of his early success at Suffolk Downs. Campbell also campaigned local stakes winners Von Groovey, Demetroula and Unreal Madness, among others. In addition, Campbell also bred multiple Grade I winner Marlin and bred, owned and campaigned millionaire Blazing Sword and Grade II winner Ivanavinalot. Campbell remains a supporter of New England racing and has a string of horses with Allard.

The late Wilson was known as "The King" for good reason. For four decades as handicapper and reporter for the Boston Record American, he was the man the vast majority of horse players relied on to pick a winner for them and keep them updated on all the racing news. It could be said that Wilson sold more newspapers than any reporter the paper ever had. People would wait at the newsstands for the Record American “Green Sheet” to come out at 11:00 p.m. just to see who The King would pick in the next day's races.

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.

Tickets for the awards dinner are $60 each and tables of ten are available for $600. To purchase tickets, call 617 568-3220.

No More Goodbyes and jockey Yamil Rosario were victorious in the “City of Everett Classic,” Saturday’s featured $22,400 allowance race at Suffolk Downs, as the East Boston racetrack celebrated “Everett Day.”

No More Goodbyes, a Massachusetts-bred son of More Than Ready, has now won four of 11 career starts for earnings of $56,215.

Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria presented the trophy to the winning connections of No More Goodbyes in the Suffolk Downs winner’s circle.

The day began when Kelsey Devlin, a 2009 graduate of Everett High School who will be attending Berklee College of Music in the fall, sang the national anthem while the City of Everett Police Honor Guard presented the colors. Devlin was to audition for “American Idol” the following day.

The following Everett organizations were recognized in the track’s “Community Winner’s Circle”: Everett Boys & Girls Club, Everett Council on Aging, Joint Committee for Children’s Health Care in Everett, Portal to Hope, and Teens in Everett Against Substance Abuse (TEASA).

The “Community Winner’s Circle” was established last year by Suffolk Downs in a continuation of the track’s long-standing community outreach program. Each “Community Winner’s Circle” honoree is recognized by the track in a post-race winner’s circle ceremony and with a contribution to their cause.

Additional beneficiaries of the Everett Day activities were the Friends of Everett Library and the Everett Beautification Program.

Parking and admission were free for Everett residents. In addition to a full card of live racing, the track provided free family entertainment, including pony rides, carnival games, face painting and a balloon artist, at its outdoor tent, picnic area and playground. All in attendance had the opportunity to have their picture taken with a racehorse and jockey at the track’s “Fan Photo Experience.”

The remaining schedule of “Commitment to Community” days at Suffolk Downs is as follows: Chelsea (June 20), Salem (July 11), Lynn (July 18), Winthrop (July 25), Revere (August 1), Saugus (August 8) and East Boston (August 22).

Lulu's Secret and jockey Pedro Gonzalez went gate-to-wire to pull off the upset Sunday at Suffolk Downs, completing the five furlong contest in :59 1/5 over a fast track in front of 11,561 fans enjoying the Hot Dog Safari Day festivities.

Sent off at 9-1, the five-year-old daughter of Unbridled Time broke alertly and was able to hold off a late charge by the 9-5 favorite Gold Jolie to prevail by 1-¼ lengths. Trained by Joe Signore, Jr., Lulu's Secret returned $21.60, 7.60 and 5.40. Gold Jolie paid $3.60 and 2.80 while longshot Graceful Bay returned $10.60.

The Hot Dog Safari was created 20 years ago by longtime Boston sports radio personality Eddie Andelman. The event benefits the Joey Fund and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Over the last two decades, the Safari has generated more than $3.25 million for these charities. Andelman served as Grand Marshal for this year's Safari, produced by the Phantom Gourmet.

James “Jim” Bishop, long-time track handicapper and publicist at Suffolk Downs, died Sunday from cancer at his home in Revere, MA. He was 56.

Bishop’s handicapping analysis in the track program has been read with great interest by the Suffolk Downs faithful for most of the last two decades. Affectionately known as “Bish,” he began his career at the East Boston oval in the 1970s working at the test barn. He set the morning-line odds for a period of time in the 1980s and served as a chart caller for Equibase at both Suffolk Downs and Rockingham Park in the early 1990s.

“Bish was one of those people who made being part of the track community truly memorable,” said Chip Tuttle, Chief Operating Officer of Suffolk Downs. “He had a unique perspective on life and a wonderful sense of humor that was rooted in his experience as a handicapper - that you're likely to lose more than you win but that you should enjoy the experience either way.”

Bishop was a 1971 graduate of Revere High School. He attended Boston State College, earning his degree in 1975.

Bishop is survived by his mother Flora “Flo” (MacDonald) Bishop of Peabody, MA.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Restoration Fund at Immaculate Conception Parish, 22 Lowe St., Revere, MA 02151.

Jockeys Winston Thompson and Orlando Bocachica each won three races on the nine-race Opening Day card before an enthusiastic Kentucky Derby Day crowd of 16,336.

Bocachica started off the day with an 11-¼ length score aboard Pop Rocket ($6.80) in the opener. He took the third race in front-running fashion with Red Magic ($5.40). In the sixth race, Bocachica finished in a dead heat for first aboard BL's Metropolitan ($2.80). All three victories came for the owner and trainer combination of Michael Gill and Marcus Vitali, who teamed up for a fourth win on the card with jockey Laurent Beaucamp and Touch a Prince ($6.20) in the day’s fifth race.

Thompson won three races on the card for trainer Rafael Ramos, starting with the fourth race with the favored Storm Door ($3.80). Thompson then guided champion mare Nijinsky Bullet ($8.00) to victory over the males in the featured allowance race and followed that up with Phil C ($5.00) in the ninth race.

“There’s nothing like a beautiful day, a great crowd and the Kentucky Derby to get the season off on the right foot,” said Chip Tuttle, Chief Operating Officer of Suffolk Downs.

The track also commenced it's 2009 "Commitment to Community” program, which will feature a series of Saturdays celebrating individuals and organizations that make a positive difference in eight surrounding communities: East Boston, Revere, Winthrop, Chelsea, Everett, Lynn, Saugus and Salem. On these days, the designated city or town will be recognized in a variety of ways, including “Community Winner’s Circle” presentations which honor individuals and groups who have dedicated themselves to worthy causes in the local community, honor guard presentations, national anthem performances and other unique opportunities.

Opening Day of the 2009 live racing season at Suffolk Downs is this Saturday, May 2, Kentucky Derby Day. Gates open at 10 a.m. First pos