For Immediate Release Contact:
July 10, 2010 Christian Teja
(617) 568-3220, (857) 231-6788
cteja@suffolkdowns.com
JOCKEY CHANNING HILL SWEEPS STAKES RACES ON
75TH ANNIVERSARY DAY PROGRAM AT SUFFOLK DOWNS
EAST BOSTON, MA - Jockey Channing Hill swept the two $75,000 stakes races on the 75th Anniversary Day program at Suffolk Downs on Saturday in front of a celebratory crowd of 10,310.
Awakino Cat stumbled at the start under Hill, but recovered and rolled to a one-and-a-quarter length victory for trainer Linda Rice in the Seabiscuit Stakes, taken off the turf due to rain and run at five furlongs on the main track.
"Our strategy was the same on or off the turf," said Hill. "He was a little unsure at first after he stumbled, but his class came through."
The five-year-old son of Stormy Atlantic returned $6.80, 4.40 and 2.80.
In the 13th running of the James B. Moseley Stakes, Hill and Everyday Heroes prevailed by a head over the even-money favorite Ju Jitsu Jax.
“This horse did not even get running until a few hundred yards from the finish,” said Hill. When he collared the other horse in midstretch, I knew he would go by and win.”
Everyday Heroes, a four-year-old son of Breeders’ Cup Classic Winner Awesome Again, paid 9.20, 4.20 and 2.80.
Suffolk Downs welcomed back an array of personalities from the track’s 75-year history, including Hall of Fame jockeys Chris McCarron and Jerry Bailey and local favorites Carl Gambardella and Abby Fuller. The honored guests were recognized in special winner’s circle presentations hosted by NBC Sports racing analyst and local sports personality Bob Neumeier.
City of Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino was on hand to present a proclamation to the track in recognition of its milestone anniversary.
Richard and Tom Phelan, whose parents owned the horse who won the very first race at Suffolk Downs on July 10, 1935, presented the trophy for the winner of the first race of the day, named the “Eddie Wrack” in honor of their parents’ horse. The Phelans brought along with them the navy blue and gold silks worn by jockey Carl Hanford in the track’s inaugural race. Also joining the presentation was Revere resident Buddy Marino, who was in attendance on Opening Day in 1935.
John Tomasello, whose family’s construction company built the track in, was also recognized in a winner’s circle ceremony.
“It was a great day and we were delighted to share it with such a great crowd,” said Chip Tuttle, Chief Operating Officer of Suffolk Downs. “It was nice to welcome back some old friends and salute the contributions they have made to Suffolk Downs. It was a fitting salute to our 75-year legacy.”
Built by 3,000 workers in just 62 days, the historic track has been a showcase for some of the most famous names in Thoroughbred racing history, including Seabiscuit, Whirlaway, John Henry, Cigar and Skip Away.
The track’s rich tradition extends beyond Thoroughbred racing. On August 18th, 1966, the Beatles took the stage on the racetrack for an historic performance, one of their last official concerts as a group. Over 25,000 fans packed the house to witness what would prove to be the Beatles’ final Boston appearance.
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