from Plainridge Racecourse

Plainville, MA — Gracie Gracie, adeptly handled by Chistopher Nye, roared off the pace during the final panel to win the featured $5,000 Chairman’s Pace in front of a large opening day crowd on Monday (April 15) at Plainridge Racecourse.

Nye, making his first ever appearance at the Massachusetts oval, patiently bided his time during a busy first three-quarters of a mile which saw a different leader at every pole.

After picking up live cover on the backstretch, Nye moved the 3-2 co-favorite to the outside on the last turn and cruised to victory in a season’s best 1:55.4.

Plainridge Racecourse photo

Gracie Gracie and her connections were congratulated in the winner’s circle.

Nye and owner-trainer Fred Ward were greeted and congratulated in the winner’s circle by the race’s namesake, Stephen Crosby, the Chairman of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.

Earlier in the card Magic Spice, teamed by trainer Scott Renz, won the Treasurer’s Trot, and the winning duo were joined in victory lane by Massachusetts Gaming Commissioner Enrique Zuniga, who is also the regulatory board’s treasurer.

Both Crosby and Zuniga took in the season opening action during a festive season opener at Plainridge on the Patriot’s Day holiday. For their respective races each commissioner joined guest host John Berry and handicapped the events named on their behalf. Following the two races Berry awarded the gaming regulators “Ph.D’s” — Professional Handicapping Diplomas — as a reward for their efforts.

Track officials were pleased to report that the opening day handle was ten percent above the same day in 2012.

Old and new alike had success on the racetrack during the first card of the season. Plainridge stalwart Mike Eaton posted a training double, as did newcomer David Cornachione. Jim Hardy, who regularly tops the Plainridge driver standings, picked up right where he left off last season, scoring a hat trick on the program.

Racing resumes at Plainridge Racecourse on Tuesday with a post time of 4 p.m.