by Jack Ginnetti

Marlborough, MA — Harness racing returns to the Bay State on Monday, May 16, after an absence of nearly five months. The 2011 season opener will mark the 13th year harness racing has returned to Plainridge Racecourse, located in Plainville, Mass.

Veteran driver-trainer Jim Hardy heads the list of returning horsemen as he goes after an unprecended sixth driving title. Hall of Fame driver John Hogan with more than 4,700 career wins is also expected to return.

Plainridge will race Mondays and Tuesdays in May and June and the horses will go to post at 4 p.m.