by Joe Hartmann, for Plainridge Racecourse

Plainville, MA — Jim Doherty, the Maritime native who made New England his home as he rose to Standardbred prominence on the regional circuit before taking his successful act to The Meadowlands, has accepted an invitation to compete in the first annual “New England Legends” races, as part of Bert Beckwith Day festivities on Labor Day, September 3, at Plainridge Racecourse.

The New England Legends will feature those living members of the New England Harness Racing Wall of Fame, that is on display at Plainridge Racecourse.

Those invited to compete in the New England Legends include Jim Doherty, Willard Beckwith, John Hogan, Peter Blood, Leigh Fitch, Ted Wing, Steve O’Toole, Bruce Ranger and Greg Bowden. Gary Kamal will also be invited to participate in the Legends activities.

One of the original members of the New England Wall of Fame and its senior living member, Doherty will celebrate his 67th birthday on September 27. In the summer of 2003, Doherty was inducted into the Living Hall of Fame in Goshen, New York.

Doherty, who has 4,500 driving victories and more than $37 million in purses earned, is the only driver to win a race at The Meadowlands every year since the track opened.

The biggest day of the year in New England harness racing, the Labor Day card at Plainridge Racecourse will be highlighted by the 12th edition of the $75,000 Bert Beckwith Memorial Pace and the $20,000 Ron Pasquantonio Memorial Trot. In addition, Plainridge will host the New England Legends race, as well as adding the name of the late David Marshall as the newest member of the New England Wall of Fame.