Suffolk Downs History

Suffolk Downs is a famous thoroughbred racetrack in East Boston, Massachusetts, United States. It was established in 1935. Many famous horses have raced at this track including Seabiscuit, Whirlaway and Cigar. The Mass Cap is one of the most popular events at the annual Hot Dog Safari. Pari-mutual wagering was legalized in Massachusetts from 1935 and the first Mass Cap was organized in the same year.

The track was open all through the Second World War. The world famous concert group – The Beatles played a concert in the infield of Suffolk Downs in presence of 24,000 music enthusiasts. There was no racing at Suffolk between 1990 and 1991. The park started again in 1992 when a deal was brokered between Suffolk Downs and Rockingham Park. The Massachusetts Handicap returned from a six-year break with a victory by Cigar in 1995.