Save farms and open space. Create jobs. Attract investment. Generate revenue.
A world-class, year-round horse park in Massachusetts would create 950 new jobs, generate $90 million in new business and $5 million in annual state and local tax revenues, and protect thousands of acres of agricultural land for future generations to enjoy.
This not-for-profit facility, which would bring together equestrian competitions, 4H, trail riding, Thoroughbred racing, and a retraining and retirement facility for aging horses, is an important investment in our state’s character and future.
“We can create a horse park that Massachusetts families can enjoy for generations, without needing a single cent of tax revenue.”
Anthony Spadea Jr., President of the New England Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (New England HBPA)
Horse racing organizations pursuing new track for thoroughbred racing in Massachusetts
Final Season at Suffolk Downs Starts June 9th 2018 for the Belmont Stakes Weekend
As Suffolk Downs turns the corner and heads into its 73rd and final racing season in East Boston, owners of the track and the two leading racehorse organizations in Massachusetts have agreed to jointly pursue legislation that will restructure current laws affecting horse racing in Massachusetts and develop a new thoroughbred horse racing facility to succeed Suffolk Downs.
In addition to the June 9 &10 live racing weekend, Suffolk Downs has also applied for racing weekends on July 7 & 8 and August 4 & 5. Additional dates may also be sought. All racing weekends will include a Festival with live music and food trucks in partnership with the NEHPBA.
The three organizations have jointly executed a Memorandum of Understanding between the New England Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, Inc. (NEHBPA), the Massachusetts Thoroughbred Breeders Association (MTBA) and Sterling Suffolk Racecourse LLC, the owner of Suffolk Downs.
The Massachusetts Legislature has been reviewing current horse racing laws in the state, including simulcast rights and the future disposition of the Race Horse Development Fund (RHDF), currently estimated at more than $13 million. Those funds, replenished with revenues from the state’s slot parlors and casinos, has been used to fund purses for thoroughbred and standardbred racing.
As part of the agreement, the parties will work together to identify and secure land for a new track facility that may also include related horse and equine activities. An expanded facility would support the Massachusetts breeding program while also supporting the entire agriculture industry in Massachusetts such as hay farmers, bedding suppliers, feed stores and grain mills.
“We know even from the limited number of racing days in 2017 that this remains a popular activity that is also about jobs and tax revenues for Massachusetts.” said NEHBPA President Anthony Spadea. “But we need to move forward on this now so that we have a racing season in 2019 after Suffolk Downs has shut down.”
Equestrian Center
Retraining & Retirement Farm
Thoroughbred Racing
