The Grand Circuit returns to Massachusetts on Sunday (July 23) when Plainridge Park will host the sixth edition of the $250,000 Spirit of Massachusetts Trot with a full and rich card of afternoon racing that also features the $100,000 Clara Barton Distaff Pace. Over the years, these two events have produced track and world records and some of the best harness racing ever seen in New England. This year’s program, which will get underway at 2 p.m., promises to do the same.
The Spirit Of Massachusetts Trot has 20 eligibles this year and the Clara Barton Pace has 18 mares who may enter and a number of those horses will be in action this weekend in preparation.
Also on the card will be the $75,000 Bert Beckwith Memorial Invitational Pace and the $50,000 John Hogan Memorial Invitational Pace.
Owners, trainers and their connections of horses racing in the stakes that day will be treated to a welcome luncheon in the Boylston Room, upstairs in the grandstand.
And for the fans attending live, Plainridge Park will once again be offering something for everyone that day so the entire family can come out and enjoy a memorable day at the races.
Todd Angilly of the Boston Bruins will be back, making a special appearance to kick off the festivities by singing our 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 who will be performing throughout the day between races.
There will also be multiple giveaways including a big cash prize.
First, guests will be able to get a free Plainridge Park commemorative 25th anniversary hat compliments of Plainridge Park Casino and the Harness Horseman’s Association of New England. This promotion will begin at 1:00 p.m. on the grassy area near The Patio, will be limited to one hat per person and available only while supplies last.
B101-FM Providence will be on property that day (also on the grassy area near The Patio) and guests can enter for a chance to win racing binoculars from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. These binoculars are compliments of Plainridge Park Casino and B101-FM.
There will also be a free-to-play handicapping contest for a chance to win $1,000 cash. Complete rules will be available at the track.
The Home Stretch Food Truck will be available near The Patio and a bar will be open at The Hut outside of the grandstand all afternoon.
Gates will open at 1 p.m. and free programs can be downloaded from the Plainridge Park website under the Racing tab.
Supplemental entries for Spirit of Massachusetts and Clara Barton available
Owners and trainers who may have horses not currently nominated to $250,000 Spirit of Massachusetts Trot and $100,000 Clara Barton Distaff Pace, that be will held at Plainridge Park on Sunday (July 23), and would still like to enter should take note that a supplemental entry can be made to either event as outlined in the conditions of each stake.
Anyone wishing to race in the Spirit Trot can pay the $20,000 supplemental fee at time of entry and if you want to compete in the Barton Pace, horses may supplement by paying $7,500 plus the $1,500 entrance fee at the time of entry.
It should also be noted that both stakes pay out for all placings. Besides the usual break for horses finishing first through fifth, horses finishing sixth through ninth place in the Spirit shall receive $2,500 and Barton starters finishing sixth through ninth shall receive $1,500.
The condition sheet with all the information concerning the Spirit Day draw will be available on Friday (July 14) on the USTA website.
(Plainridge Park)