Suffolk Downs

The East Boston track posted double-digit increases in attendance
and mutuel handle during a 100-day live meet that concluded on Saturday.
Daily average on-track attendance was 3,288, a 22.4% increased compared
with last year’s 2,687 figure. Average daily on-track mutuel handle
was $122,702, a 14.3% increase compared with 2006, when that
figure was $107,385.
Total purses increased 12% from $10.9-million in 2006 to $12.2 million.
“We are encouraged by the increases in attendance and handle, as
they reflect a reversal of recent trends,” said Richard Fields, who
purchased a significant interest in Suffolk Downs shortly before the
meet began last spring. “We made a number of improvements this
year to enhance the overall customer experience, and it has made a
difference. We are already moving forward with additional improvements
for next year.”
The meet opened with a record-setting day,
as 17,549 fans came to the track on Kentucky
Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) day
on May 5 and wagered a track-record $2.37-
million. The attendance was the largest opening-
day crowd since 1992.
An on-track crowd of 19,191
was at Suffolk to see Brass
Hat (Prized) win the $500,000 Massachusetts Handicap
on September 22. The race was not run the previous
two years because of cost concerns.
Jockey Tammi Piermarini led all riders with 100
wins. John Rigattieri saddled 64 winners to win his
fourth-consecutive Suffolk training title.
Aurora Springs Stable was the leading owner with
38 wins.