by Jack Ginnetti

Marlborough, MA — Two $5,100 Massachusetts Sire Stake races were in the spotlight on Thursday (Oct. 11) at Plainridge Racecourse.

Leading driver Jim Hardy drove Ira R to the finish line in a slick 1:56.4 in a race for 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers.

In the non-betting race for the same class, Don Guidette, Jr., who’s been hot in the bike of late, found the winner’s circle with the Dawn Anderson trained Bell A Chick with a 1;58.4 mile.

Racing at Plainridge goes to post again at 1 p.m. (EDT) on Monday (Oct. 15). On that day, officials at the track will conduct a memorial race in memory of Stephen Thompson.

Mr. Thompson was a highly regarded driver-trainer for nearly a quarter of a century, especially at Foxboro Raceway. He was a resident of Foxborough where several family members still make their home.

Mr. Thompson passed away in January 2010.