Plainridge Park Casino and the Harness Horseman’s Association of New England are pleased to announce the return of the Spirit of Massachusetts Trot.

After a one-year hiatus, the $250,000 Open even for North America’s top trotters will be contested on Sunday, July 28.

The inaugural Spirit of Massachusetts Trot in 2017 was very successful with 40 nominations and a thrilling race which produced a track record by JL Cruze and created excitement both locally and nationally.

For 2019, the track has added a co-featured event, the $100,000 Clara Barton Pace for Open fillies and mares. Race secretary Paul Verrette said, “the goal of both events is to fill a need on the national stakes calendar.”

“The Spirit of Massachusetts was designed to give top trotters a stake event the weekend prior to Hambletonian Day and I hope that the Clara Barton will do the same thing for top mares,” said Varette.

Nominations shall be made to the Hambletonian Society and close February 15, 2019, for the $250,000 guaranteed ‘Spirit of Massachusetts Trot’ and the $100,000 guaranteed ‘Clara Barton Distaff Pace.’

The 2019 season will get underway at Plainridge Park on Monday, April 8.

For more information on staking to either event, visit, www.hambletonian.com.

(Plainridge Park Casino and Harness Horsemen of New England)