Yesterday was a spectacular day here in Boston, 86° and bright sun all day. My husband and I decided to make a trip to Suffolk Downs, the local race track, located near Logan Airport.
In 2011, the state passed a law that would allow for 3 resort style casinos and 1 slot machine parlor to open in Massachusetts. One of the coveted spots, would be in the greater Boston area.
Suffolk Downs (backed by the Mohegan Sun group) was one of the locations being considered. But, lost out to a Wynn Resort which will be built in nearby Everett.
Because of this, Suffolk Downs will be shutting down forever on October 4th. He thought yesterday would be a perfect day for us to go.
I don’t remember the last time I went to Suffolk Downs. I think I was part of a big group, and the excitement in the air was palpable. Today the crowd was just there. I felt no excitement around me. The track wasn’t crowded, and had no life to it. People were watching races from other parks on TV’s set up near the betting windows. I remember listening to the people around you strategizing about what horse they were going to pick. Not today, just a bunch a lackadaisical people mulling around. I wondered if I was missing something.
We stayed for 5 races, the last being the 7th race, the most exciting for us. The number 1 horse was Everyday Dave, how could I not bet him, my husbands NAME. I always bet on Number 7 in the 7th race. I went to the window placed my bet. $5.00 on 7 across the board, $5.00 on 1 across the board and a $1.00 box on 7 & 1. We got the tickets and went outside to watch the race. We picked our spot right in front of the finish line, so we wouldn’t miss anything. The bugle sounded and they were off, our horses were in the top 3 while they were coming towards the finish line. It was hard to make out who the winners were. A photo finished was needed. My horses came in first and second, I won $71.00. The excitement was back.
Even if I ended down a couple bucks.
All the pictures were taken with my iPhone 6!
behind my LENS 
Great pictures for a iphone! Looks like you had an interesting day…..
Where are the horses?
Last picture
To me it was more about the track, and the people.
Did get a really good picture of the jockeys.
It was fun!
It was fun!!
I was just reading about Suffolk Downs. Glad you were able to visit before they close the doors forever. Your pics are wonderful, and your narrative made me feel I was right there with you. I didn’t win any money either. 🙂
You’re funny! Always have something nice to say!
Hope all is well in ATL. Our daughter is in Australia for the semester. Back in January.
Australia! I hope she is having the time of her life! And yes, things are fine in Atlanta. A little too quiet these days for my taste…might have to shake things up a little bit. I’m tying to learn how to speak French (for the 20th time in my life) I just don’t have the gift. I’m sure the French would be just as happy if I wasn’t walking around butchering their language…maybe Spanish would make more sense?
Good Luck with the FRENCH, are you planning a trip?
Spanish may be more universal!
Have fun.
Great photos for a Boston area institution that be gone shortly. Glad that you and Dave went there to experience it.
We had a fun time MJ..it is sad that it will be closing!
Fun story…thanks for sharing Gail!
thanks Barbara!
Congratulations on your win Gail and the images are just superb and hard to believe they came from an iPhone (I think the photographer had something to do with that). Have a great week 🙂
thank YOU Joe…The new iPhone 6 is great! You have a great week as well!
Last time I was at the track I was maybe 10 or 11. I went with my dad. The races were fine but the time in between was interminable! I was bored then but now, with my camera, I could have a field day! Thanks for the memories.
Thanks for the note Emilio,
Your father should have allowed you to BET!!
So much stuff to look at.
G