Plainridge Racecourse press release

Plainville, MA — There are many accomplishments represented on the Plainridge Racecourse Wall of Fame, thousands of wins and millions of purse dollars earned, testaments to the abilities of the many drivers and horses immortalized there.

One journalist reported on so many of those accomplishments. Thus it only seems fitting that this Labor Day Plainridge Racecourse will add Jean Emerson to its Wall of Fame.

The founder and longtime editor of the Northeast Harness News, Emerson covered virtually all of the drivers and horses that grace the walls of the Massachusetts track. Long before the days of the internet and social media, New England racing fans were kept informed through the tireless work of Jean Emerson. It would, however, be a mistake to consider the newspaper her sole contribution to the sport. In addition to running a stable with her late husband Chet, Mrs. Emerson served as the secretary of the Maine Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association during its formative years in the early 1970’s, when the program’s future was far from certain. After spending fifteen years as a member of the New England Harness Writer’s Association, Jean later provided crucial support to the Florida chapter after her and Chet re-located to the Sunshine State

“It is with great pride that we honor the First Lady of New England Harness Racing,” said Plainridge President Gary Piontkowski. “Jean’s contribution to racing is unparalleled. My fondest memories of my early years of harness racing were waiting for my Northeast Harness News to appear in my mailbox. Jean’s writing became not only an inspiration for me, but for countless people who were delivered their racing news from Jean’s pen. Jean will always hold a special place in our hearts. I look forward to seeing Jean’s painting on our Wall of Fame along with the Legends she covered in her illustrious career.”

Jean Emerson’s induction to the Wall of Fame is a cornerstone of the broader theme of Beckwith Day 2012 at Plainridge, which will celebrate the contributions of Jean and other women to harness racing in New England. Several women well known throughout New England racing circles will be guests of the track, and their accomplishments highlighted throughout the program. Consistent with the theme of the day, the Bert Beckwith Memorial Pace will, for the first time in its storied history, be written exclusively for Fillies and Mares.

“In keeping with our commitment to include as many as possible in the Beckwith Day card, this seemed to be the perfect fit, to use a distaff race in memory of Bert,” said Plainridge General Manager Steve O’Toole.

The 2012 Beckwith Day program will be chock full of action. The $25,000 Beckwith Memorial will be complemented by the Ron Pasquantonio Memorial for the track’s top trotters, the Joe Hartman Memorial for the top pacers, and the Stan Bergstein Memorial Pace for local sophomore pacers. Plainridge will also host the annual Legends Driving Championship, the final of the Plainville Community Challenge, and a leg of the C.K.G. Amateur Driving Series.

For up to date information on all the Beckwith Day festivities, be sure to visit www.prcharness.com