The Grand Circuit will make a mid-summer stop at Plainridge Park on Sunday, July 28 for two major stakes on its 2019 calendar.
The first is the second edition of the $250,000 Spirit of Massachusetts Trot for three-year-old and older trotters and the second is the new $100,000 Clara Barton Distaff Pace for three-year-old fillies and older mares. Both races are presented by Plainridge Park Casino and the Harness Horseman’s Association of New England (HHANE).
The races will be contested during a special matinee card that will get underway at 2 p.m. The card will also feature some of the top local trotting and pacing talent and horsepeople that compete regularly in New England.
Besides offering a great slate of on-track action, there will also be plenty of activities between races for those of all ages. It has also been announced that there will be a special guest at the track to help cover the event.
Bob Neumeier of NBC Sports and Comcast Sports New England will be the host of the live track and simulcast feeds, as he will cover all the action and give his expert opinions. Neumeier’s wealth of knowledge about horse racing will provide everyone with great insight to the card and in-depth analysis after each race.
There will be a reception in the Boylston and Newbury Rooms, located on the second level of the grandstand, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. for owners, their guests and VIPs of the two main stakes. There will be a full buffet provided at 2:30 p.m.
There will be a great giveaway item available for the fans on hand. An insulated cooler bag will be given out at the door while supplies last. This item is sponsored by Plainridge Park, the Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts, the HHANE, Lindy Farms, Embroidery Unlimited, the Hambletonian Society & Hawthorne Suites (Franklin, MA) and will feature the logos of all the sponsors.
The Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts will be on hand with a mare and foal on display on the grass in the homestretch park for a meet and greet with all who would wish to stop by. Their members will also be able to provide information about the robust Standardbred breeding program in the state of Massachusetts.
The HHANE has invited the Maine Harness Horsemen’s Association (MHHA) to join the festivities and they are bringing their wildly popular virtual race simulator that allows anyone to climb into the race bike and drive their horse to victory in virtual reality. This simulator has been travelling from track to track all summer and has been a major attraction wherever it shows up.
Between races you can relax and handicap the next event to the music of The Berkshire Valley Boys who are a great local band that will provide entertainment throughout the day on the apron.
Finally, there will also be caricature artists on hand who will be drawing your likeness free of charge.
The Spirit of Massachusetts Day program promises to be the best ever held at Plainridge Park and one that the whole family can enjoy.
For more information on live harness racing at Plainridge Park and both of the stakes, please head to plainridgeparkcasino.com and hhane.com.
(Plainridge Park / HHANE)