Suffolk Downs has reached an agreement with Fairgrounds Realty LLC and Fair Grounds Community Redevelopment Project Inc., the entities that own the Great Barrington Fairgrounds in western Massachusetts, for a long-term lease of the previously shuttered racetrack in Great Barrington to commence racing as soon as 2019, the companies announced today.
Under the agreement, the Sterling Suffolk Downs company would refurbish the Fairgrounds property and operate a commercial race meeting at Great Barrington while continuing to operate simulcast wagering at its main property in East Boston, which has seen its race dates cut significantly in recent years as the track moved towards closure.
“This is a very exciting opportunity for us to help preserve and refurbish an iconic property in the heart of the Berkshires, to boost economic development in Great Barrington, continue live racing and preserve the hundreds of jobs, associated agribusinesses and working open spaces associated with the Massachusetts racing industry,” said Chip Tuttle, Sterling Suffolk Racecourse's chief operating officer. “We are confident that we can do this consistent with Fair Grounds Community Redevelopment's vision for sustainable preservation of the fairground property as a space devoted to community recreation and with a strong connection to its agricultural heritage.”
Great Barrington was the host of the longest continually operating agricultural fair in New England. Horse racing started on the property in 1859 and it was regarded as the centerpiece of the Massachusetts fair circuit. Pari-mutuel wagering began at Great Barrington in September of 1940 and continued through 1983. The track last offered Thoroughbred racing 20 years ago in 1998.
The grandstand, barns and track facilities still stand, though they will require restoration and repair. In addition to improvements to the track surface, grandstand and other facilities, Suffolk officials indicated that they would be looking at expanding the racing surface at Great Barrington from its current bullring configuration.
“In its current condition, we are confident that we could conduct racing as soon as next year, should we need to,” Tuttle said. “There was traditionally strong support for racing here and we hope to attract fans from across New England and New York.”
Suffolk Downs is scheduled to host three weekends of live racing this summer June 9-10, July 7-8 and Aug. 4-5.
The Barrington property is currently owned by Bart and Janet Elsbach, who purchased the property in December 2012 with the goal of preserving the environmental health of the site.
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