According to Plainridge Park, the $250,000 Spirit of Massachusetts Trot will not be contested this year, and the recently-announced Clara Barton Distaff will also not take place.
A release from Plainridge Park has stated that the Spirit of Massachusetts will not be contested in 2018 ‘due to a lack of consent by the Harness Horsemen's Association of New England.’
Plainridge Park Casino Director of Racing Steve O’Toole commented on the situation in the release, stating, “After a tremendous first running last year, we are very disappointed that the HHANE chose not to provide their consent for the 2018 edition.”
He went on to say that, “Although the race that put Plainridge Park back on the harness racing map will not be part of our 2018 season, Plainridge Park is committed to a racing program that highlights our local participants as well as high quality events.”
The inaugural Clara Barton Distaff for aged pacing mares, which was announced two months ago, has also been cancelled. Both of the stakes had been scheduled to be contested on the same day (Thursday, July 26).
Via release, HHANE President Robert McHugh has said that his organization is, “willing to re-engage in discussion at any time to offer these races or any other that would support Plainridge Park, our members, and the industry as a whole.”
(With files from Plainridge Park and the HHANE)
Hopefully, SC will engage the
Hopefully, SC will engage the HHANE and ask for a comment on this matter. Too often, we as horsepeople get the short end of the stick, or the article, in this case, because our situation isn't communicated properly to the public. It would seem pretty short sighted to simply cancel an event like these in New England, for no reason! Obviously, at least to me, there's an ongoing issue that can't be resolved between the two parties that hasn't been communicated to us.
In reply to Hopefully, SC will engage the by Jody Jamieson
Jody, you put the point right
Jody, you put the point right on the I (why), and I agree fully with you. Give the public and the horsemen a good reason why? After all, they are the ones who put on the show and the the public is the one who supports it - do not leave them in the dark. Way to go Jody, for speaking up.