By Christie DeBernardis
A vote by the Massachusetts state gambling commission to back the Wynn casino in Everett over the Mohegan Sun casino at Suffolk Downs Tuesday will result in the closure of Suffolk Downs, and the end of Thoroughbred racing in New England.
The 79-year-old Revere/East Boston, Massachusetts venue is the last remaining racetrack in the New England area. The track has been hanging on by a thread for a few years now with the casino, and the revenue it would bring in, providing the only glimmer of hope.
Following Tuesday's vote, Suffolk Downs Chief Operating Officer Chip Tuttle announced that the track would begin to wind down its racing operations. The last day of the current meet, Monday, Sept. 29, will also be the last day of live racing at Suffolk Downs.
“It's terrible for the family of workers here, not only direct employees but the very hard working horsemen and women for whom this is the last straw in New England racing,” Tuttle said. “Suffolk Downs is the last Thoroughbred track in New England. It is a sad day for all these people, and a troubling sign for the racing industry as a whole. We are looking at contraction, and the idea that there is not going to be racetrack in a major media market like Boston is troubling.”
Suffolk's current leading trainer Jay Bernardini first stepped foot on the grounds at age eight and has not missed a season at Suffolk Downs since he took out his trainer's license 30 years ago. Bernardini is ahead by 27 wins in the trainer standings, guaranteeing him his first Suffolk Downs leading trainer title after finishing second or third in the past few years.
“I'm trying to enjoy the moment,” the 48-year-old said. “You work for 30 years–my wife and I put the family business together–and it's gratifying to have success, but bittersweet to know it is the last race and last day. The last day is always emotional with everyone leaving, but you know you are coming back. We are compeititors, but also an extended family. You say good bye and wish them the best.”
Bernardini continued, “I look at the track though and say I'm blessed to be here, doing well and being a top trainer. Suffolk Downs is a big part of my world that is now gone.”
The Lynn, Massachussetts resident spends every summer racing at Suffolk, but the rest of the year he races in Maryland at Laurel and Pimlico. Right now, his plan is to continue that tradition and his 40-horse string will ship to Maryland Oct. 1.
“For me I am moving on to Maryland,” Bernardini remarked. “Fortunately I am one of most successful guys here with the biggest clientele base. They don't want to get out of business. Other guys unfortunately are not in my shoes and you just feel bad for them. Several trainers are just going to retire and have already sent their clients to me.”
The conditioner added, “Next summer I will have to decide if there is no Suffolk what I will do and come up with a plan B as to what I am going to do in the summer time. I am considering Charles Town, Delaware or maybe Thistledown. I will have to train somewhere other than home, but I get anxious to come home to my family. A lot of pro athletes have to separate with families, but I don't like not being at home.”
If the casino bid had been approved for Suffolk Downs, it would have guaranteed at least 15 more years of racing and $40-million in improvements to the racing program.
“Our owners have lost more than $50 million on racing operation since 2007,” Tuttle remarked. “They have been incrediby generous to keep it going. They could have been cynical and closed until we got gaming licenses. Richard Fields and Joe O'Donnell have been generous for long time to support the work force and keep racing going here.”
Suffolk Downs will continue to host simulcasting through at least late November and possibly through the end of the year, but they will not be applying for a 2015 racing license come Jauary.
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