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  St. Patty's' Day was a great day for racing in the New England area as racing was able  to resume after almost two weeks of down time caused by unsafe track conditions created by recent snow storms. A 14 race double-header was highlighted by two State-bred races.

The Isadorable Stakes

Named for the Great Ned Allard trained filly  who won thirteen State-bred races in the mid 80's the Isadorable was the first State stakes race run  this year. In her first start since Dec. 10 heavily favored Dr. Margaret continued to dominate the filly division. Ridden by Jill Jellison for the first time Dr. Margaret took the lead before the 1/2 mile pole and was ridden out. Plans now are to try to keep her in Mass Bred Races according to trainer John Kelly

Dr. Margaret wins easily

The Mystery Jet Stakes

Three-year old fillies took the field later in the day in a race named in honor of another great Mass bred filly Mystery Jet. Joe Hampshire and Oh Sham Baby made every pole a winning one in a convincing win. "She's a big, good looking filly and continues to improve" noted trainer John Rigattieri

Moses Sanchez walks Oh Sham Baby to post

The First Episode Stakes

On April 7th older fillies and mares met in the mile and 1/16th First Episode Stakes.  E.J.'s Laura, the easy winner, has the breeding to cover the distance. Her sire was Belmont Stakes winner Go and Go. She is also the forth stakes winner from the dam Lady Scotus. Her siblings include Cousin Kelly, Jini's Jet and Scarlet Stanley.  Trainer Raymond Bonilla (a former Jockey) noted " She's even better on the Turf, and we will run her again in the next Mass. Bred race on the grass.( The Sunset Gun Stakes on May 28th).

         E.J.'s Laura and Winston Thompson

  Mass Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes

     On April 28th Digging for Fun and Joe Hampshire proved that their win in the Rise Jim over Dr. Margaret was no fluke. The team has now won two Mass Bred Stakes in a row, one sprint and one route, showing the versatility of this 6-year-old gelded son of Trench Digger.

'Fun' in the Mass Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes

The Beacon Hill Stakes

The Memorial Day weekend kicked off with this turf race for three-year-olds of both sexes. Sunlit Ridge and Woodside received most of the betting action. Woodside set the pace to the top of the stretch when Sunlit Ridge took over to win by a length  over long shot Rita's Partner. Sunlit Ridge was ridden by Dyn Parnell,  trained by John Rigattieri and owned by Manfred Roos.

    Dyn Parnell guides Sunlit Ridge to victory