The Grand Circuit will make another stop in Massachusetts on Sunday, July 20 when Plainridge Park will host the eighth edition of the $250,000 USD Spirit of Massachusetts Trot (Grade 2) along with the $100,000 Clara Barton Distaff Pace (Grade 3).
The card will also feature the $75,000 USD Bert Beckwith Invitational Pace, $50,000 USD John Hogan Memorial Pace, new $25,000 USD Remembrance Pace and a number of other races. In total, there will be $600,000 USD in purse money up for grabs.
The Spirit Of Massachusetts Trot has 31 eligibles this year and the Clara Barton Pace has 20 mares who may enter, and some of the biggest names currently racing are expected to be in the box when it opens for the draw on Wednesday, July 16 at 9 a.m.
A number of things will be going on at the track on Sunday in conjunction with this big day of racing.
There will be a luncheon by invitation for owners, trainers and connections of horses racing that day who will be treated to a fine array of food in the Boylston Room, upstairs in the grandstand. Appetizers begin at 1 p.m. followed by lunch at 2 p.m.
Todd Angilly, the Boston Bruins national anthem singer, will be back, making a special appearance to kick off the festivities by singing the United States national anthem before the first race. Angilly will also be performing at other times during the day.
Other live music will be provided by the Berkshire Valley Boys throughout the day between races.
There will also be Spirit of Massachusetts hats and sunglasses given away during the afternoon.
The food truck will be available near The Patio and the bar will be open in the grandstand all afternoon.
Gates will open at 1 p.m. and post time for the first race is at 2 p.m. Free programs can be downloaded from the Plainridge Park website under the "Racing" tab.
(Plainridge Park; photo of 2024 Spirit Of Massachusetts champion Its Academic)