Revitalizing Suffolk Downs Race Track - Richard Fields and the Future of Horse Racing
The racing track known as Suffolk Downs is the only race track in Massachusetts. Located in Eastern Boston, Suffolk Downs is known primarily for hosting the MassCap (Massachusetts Handicap) as well as the Hot Dog Safari. Famous horses that have raced at Suffolk Downs and competing in the MassCap include Seabiscuit, Whirlaway, and most recently Cigar. The grounds were also the concert arena for a famous Beatles concert in 1966.
Suffolk Downs was first established in 1935 when horse gambling was legalized in Massachusetts. The first MassCap was hosted on October 16th, 1953 and won by Top Row. However, the race track has had a rocky time over the last twenty years due to what previous ownership cited as financial difficulty. The MassCap was cancelled in the early 90s and opened again 1995, which was when racehorse champion Cigar won the purse. Again, the track suffered financial difficulty and no MassCap was held in 2003, 2005, or 2006.
In 2006, Suffolk Downs came under new ownership through business tycoon Richard Fields, whose businesses in casino gambling, Indian gaming, and resort development inspired him to invest in horse racing and the future of Suffolk Downs. Under the management of Richard Fields, the MassCap opened again in 2007 with an enticing purse of $500,000. Richard Fields hopes to build the track to its potential, recognizing that momentum will gain ground with time, money, quality races, and other attractions. Using his business savvy in resort development and gambling, Richard Fields hopes to build a Suffolk Down worthy of increased patronage.
In order to entice good horses to compete at the MassCap 2007, Richard Fields included a $200,000 for any winning horse who also competed and won multiple Grade 1 or Group 1 racing stakes of 1 mile or longer. The MassCap is currently ranked as a Grade 2 event. To generate even more buzz and interest, Richard Field added $100,000 reward to any winner that won a Grade 1 or Group 1 stakes in addition to any other graded stake in 2007. The tactic behind Richard Field's approach is to bolster the importance of the MassCap by drawing a crowd hoping to see nationally acclaimed horses race at Suffolk Downs.
In addition to an increased purse and bonuses for superior competitors, Richard Fields also hopes to turn the future of racing at Suffolk Downs around by expanding the range and market appeal of the race track as an attraction and destination for Massachusetts locals. As an owner of other gambling institutions and resorts, Richard Fields hopes to draw attention to horse racing as an avenue of entertainment for a diverse and younger crowd by remodeling the location to include luxury dining, casino-style gambling, and other attractions.
The location of Suffolk Downs is perfect as an attraction spot. Richard Fields can count on convenient bus access through Blue Line that will provide free shuttling every ten minutes. With the right strategy and adequate investment, Suffolk Downs has the potential to become one of the largest attractions in Massachusetts State and perhaps even set a record for race track and gambling reform across the nation.
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