Suffolk Downs - Boston, MA
Posted by: 
NorStar
N 42° 23.597 W 071° 00.074
19T E 335283 N 4695383
Suffolk Downs in East Boston, celebrating its 75th Anniversary in 2010, is a historical location that includes the discovery of "Seabiscuit," a concert by the Beatles, and the implementation of the first anti-slaughtering policy by a track.
Waymark Code: WM9D5Q
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Date Posted: 08/03/2010
Views: 5
In Boston, in the East Boston section of the city is Suffolk Downs, the only horse racing track in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This stadium is a thoroughbred horse track and is currently celebrating its 75th Anniversary.
The track is accessible by car by traveling on Route 1A toward Revere. Just before the city line, there is a large sign at the entrance to the track. The track is also accessible by the MBTA Blue Line heavy rail service. Get off at the Suffolk Downs stop, then walk the quarter to half mile to the entrance to the north of the station. There is also a shuttle available during events from the station.
Suffolk Downs has a one-mile dirt oval track and an inner grass track. The stadium portion holds many thousands of people. There is the grandstand area, and there is also a club house section.
Suffolk Downs was the location where the horse known as "Seabiscuit" was discovered. Other famous horses include "Whirlaway" and "Cigar."
The track was started in 1935 when such gambling was made legal in Massachusetts. The Grade III Massachusetts Handicap, or "MassCap," was started that year as well. In 1966, the Beatles played in the infield of the track to the fans sitting in the grandstand, in what turned out to be the Beatles' last tour. The course was closed in 1990 and reopened in 1991. In 2008, the track became the first in the nation to have a strict policy on slaughtering - any owners caught slaughtering their race horses were banned from the track for life. Since then, most of the horse tracks have adopted similar policies. 2010 marks its 75th Anniversary. Several events to mark the occasion have been planned and the management looks forward to many more years of racing.
Currently, there are no slot machines or other forms of gambling other than racing. In 2010, there has been much effort in the Massachusetts General Court (the legislative body) for the approval of casinos and slot machine halls within the commonwealth.
Other Sources:
MassMoments (Seabiscuit):
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visit link)
Wikipedia (Suffolk Downs):
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visit link)
Visit Instructions:To post a Visit for a waymark in this category, you will need to physically visit the track described in the waymark. If possible a photo of yourself at the track should be included in your log. Feel free to post some photos of the races you attended and of the fine animals you've seen. Did you have a photo taken with a Jockey?
You do not need to enter the track or attend an event to post a visit. However a photo of you outside the track with some racecourse signage is requested.
If you would like, share a story about your visit. Did you bet at the track? How much did you win? How much did you lose?