Hall of Fame jockeys Chris McCarron and Jerry Bailey are among the racing personalities that will help Suffolk Downs celebrate its 75th anniversary July 10.
The special program at the Boston area racetrack will include throw-back promotions, a tee shirt giveaway, and two $75,000 stakes races.
The $75,000 Seabiscuit Stakes, five furlongs on the turf, and the $75,000 James B. Moseley Sprint Stakes, six furlongs on the main track, will highlight the card.
The day will feature a series of turn-back-the-clock elements, including a carousel, carnival games, 1930s era street performers, a Dixieland band, bugler, antique cars, and trolley service from the Suffolk Downs MBTA station to the main Clubhouse entrance. A display of photos and memorabilia from throughout the track’s history, including an original barbershop chair and a row of authentic 1935 Grandstand seats, will be on display on the first floor of the Clubhouse.
Mayor Thomas M. Menino will present a proclamation commemorating Suffolk Downs’ 75th anniversary. Officials from the neighboring communities will join in marking the event.
The first 5,000 fans who pay admission to the track will receive a commemorative tee shirt with the track’s 75th anniversary logo and all admissions and parking revenue from the day will be donated to local community charities.
“Suffolk Downs has been one of the area’s premier sports and entertainment venues since 1935 and we’re looking forward to celebrating our legacy with some old friends, our neighbors and racing fans from across New England on July 10th as we look ahead to the next 75 years,” said Suffolk Downs principal owner Richard Fields.
Built by 3,000 workers in just 62 days, the historic track opened on July 10, 1935 and 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 Aug. 18, 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.
