Suffolk Downs launched its 2011 racing season on Saturday, May 21, drawing 11,372 spectators for a nine-race card that also featured wagering on the Preakness Stakes. The day’s standout performers were jockeys Hector Ramos and Jacqueline Davis, each recording multiple victories.
Ramos partnered with trainer John Pimental to secure a neck victory in the third race aboard One Chin Again ($7.20). The duo returned to the winner’s circle in the sixth race with the favored Sunshine Nikki ($6.20). Last season, Ramos finished second in the jockey standings with 81 victories.
Davis demonstrated her skill in the seventh race, guiding Mopleasant ($7.40) to a 9 1/4 maiden victory through dense fog. She concluded the day with another triumph in the ninth race aboard Get Ready Go ($5.00). A 24-year-old graduate of North American Riding Academy, which was founded by Dorchester-native Chris McCarron’s, Davis finished sixth in the standings with 72 victories during her inaugural season at Suffolk Downs.
On Opening Day, the track recognized three “Community Winner’s Circle” recipients for their service to local communities. The honorees included the Neighborhood of Affordable Housing (NOAH) of East Boston, the 2010-11 Revere Girls High School Basketball team with a perfect 20-0 regular season, and the Winthrop Parks and Recreation Department. Established in 2008, the “Community Winner’s Circle” program represents an extension of the track’s ongoing community engagement efforts. Each recipient was celebrated in a winner’s circle ceremony and received a contribution from the track.
The East Boston High School Jr. ROTC presented colors during the national anthem, performed by Jason Rambler of the All-Star Buglers. Racing continues on a Monday-Wednesday-Saturday schedule through Saturday, November 5, with the first race typically beginning at 12:45 p.m.