News & Notes
FLIRT FOR FAME CLAIMS SATURDAY FEATURE
Flirt for Fame, making her first start of the year, commenced her bid coming three-wide coming off the turn and drew off to an impressive three-and-a-quarter length victory over even money favorite Bedazzler in Saturday's featured eighth race at Suffolk Downs.
Ridden by Tammi Piermarini, the 5-year-old Massachusetts daughter of Freud recorded her ninth victory while going over a quarter of a million dollars in career earnings after covering the six furlongs in a quick 1:11.
Flirt for Fame paid $6.60, 3.40 and 3.00 as the second choice in the six-horse field. Bedazzler returned $2.40 and 2.20 and Florida invader Red Chilly Knees paid $4.40 to show in her Boston debut.
AMISS, RIGATTIERI STAR ON OPENING DAY AT SUFFOLK DOWNS
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.
Live racing resumes on Wednesday. First post time is 12:45 p.m.
SUFFOLK DOWNS ANNOUNCES NEW RACING SCHEDULE, OTHER INITIATIVES FOR 2008 SEASON
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 INCREASES PURSES FOR 2008 MEET,
EXPANDS STAKES PROGRAM
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 PARTNERS WITH STATE LOTTERY
FOR DAILY RACE GAME
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.”
2008 MASSCAP PART OF BREEDERS' CUP CHALLENGE
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 RESTRUCTURES RACING MANAGEMENT TEAM
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.
NEW ENGLAND TURF WRITERS ANNOUNCE 2007 CHAMPIONS
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 POSTS INCREASES IN ATTENDANCE, HANDLE IN 2007
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.
