Plainville, MA – On Sunday, July 19, Plainridge Park will once again host their signature stakes, the G2 $300,000 Spirit of Massachusetts Trot and G3 $150,000 Clara Barton Distaff Pace, when the Grand Circuit rolls into town.
But along with all of today’s trotting stars that will be on hand to compete in the Spirit, thanks to a sponsorship by Plainridge Park, the Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts and the Harness Horseman’s Association of New England, another World Champion trotting star from almost a decade ago, who is now a champion in another lane, will also make an appearance.
Homicide Hunter, who became the fastest trotter in harness racing history after posting his 1:48.4 mile in a Grand Circuit event at The Red Mile in 2018, will be at Plainridge Park for a meet and greet with the fans, and to lead the post parade for the ninth edition of The Spirit of Massachusetts Trot.
That 1:48.4 mile time helped Homicide Hunter to be named Older Male Trotter of the Year in 2018 by the United States Harness Writers Association. He retired from racing two years later with over $1.7 million in earnings, but almost immediately started a new career that has seen him rise back to the top.
Nancy Longobardi is a Director of the Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts and she is extremely excited for Homicide Hunter’s visit.
“Jolene Andrews is one of our trainers at Plainridge and she told us about the success Homicide Hunter has had in his new career after racing, and suggested he would be a perfect fit for our Spirit Day activities,” said Longobardi.