Many events slated for Spirit of Massachusetts Day

Plainville, MA – 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 harness 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.

by Tim Bojarski, for Plainridge Park